Chapter 238

Another officer broke down completely. He buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

Death by gunfire would have been merciful compared to this torture. No one could fathom how Donovan had endured such unspeakable agony.

Liam stood motionless. Silent tears carved paths down his stony face as his fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. His entire frame trembled with barely contained emotion. He didn't remain at the hospital after the two narcotics officers departed.

Leaving Donovan's care to his remaining brothers and parents, Liam exited with Evelyn. She sensed his grief like a physical presence, so she simply held his hand during the silent drive home, offering wordless comfort.

Back at Blackwood Manor, Liam informed her he'd be occupied for several days. He suggested she rest while he retreated to his study to work.

That night, Evelyn slept alone. When she woke the next morning, the other side of the bed remained cold and untouched.

She found Liam still wearing yesterday's clothes, conducting an emergency meeting via video conference. Not wanting to interrupt, she quietly closed the study door.

For two days, Evelyn visited the hospital for updates on Donovan's condition. Each report was more devastating than the last.

On the third day, Liam returned to the military base to oversee a critical training exercise.

At precisely 4:00 pm, as Evelyn read in the parlor, the housekeeper approached. "Mrs. Blackwood, you might want to watch the live broadcast of the military drill."

"Drill?" Evelyn frowned in confusion.

"Mr. Sullivan asked me to remind you. General Blackwood wants you to see Aldenria's first aerial defense demonstration," the housekeeper explained.

Evelyn immediately set aside her book and turned to the specified channel. Her pulse quickened as the broadcast began.

The screen alternated between the command center and distant missile launch pads. This was being televised globally, but something felt... off.

Suddenly, the feed cut to panicked shouts in the command center. "General! System malfunction! The missile has deviated from its programmed trajectory!"

The world watched in shock as the missile struck the border between Aldenria and Valtoria.

While world leaders might have laughed at the embarrassment, Evelyn burst into tears.

The impact transformed an entire mountain into a smoldering crater. Nothing could have survived that blast zone.

It was the exact location where the Valtorian drug cartel had held Evelyn captive. Where Liam and Donovan had rescued her.

Tears streamed down Evelyn's face as she covered her mouth. This was no accident. It was a precision strike.

But Liam would face court-martial if President Pierce discovered his true intentions.

Her fingers hovered over her phone. She wanted to call him, but hesitated.

In the end, she didn't dial. He'd be swamped now - explaining this to both nations, facing international scrutiny.

Helpless with worry, Evelyn could only wait. She remained at home, watching the door, until dawn's light crept through the windows.