Chapter 24

Evelyn Carter cradled the smoldering sage bowl as she retreated toward Blackwood Manor.

"Madam."

The voice made her turn.

A sharply dressed man approached, offering a respectful nod before extending a sealed envelope. "Colonel Blackwood instructed me to deliver this."

Evelyn accepted it with curious fingers. "What does it contain?"

"Unknown to me," the man replied. "The colonel mentioned he'll be occupied with official matters in Solterra for an indefinite period. Should you require anything during his absence, please don't hesitate to ask."

Her heart constricted at the news of Liam's extended departure. Composing herself, she transferred the sage bowl to the messenger and tore open the envelope.

A platinum credit card slid into her palm, accompanied by a note in bold script: "Door and card PIN: 1516117. Indefinite assignment in Solterra."

Folding the note, Evelyn tucked it away, fingertips tracing the embossed lettering on the card - Liam Blackwood's personal account. A bittersweet weight settled in her chest, equal parts longing and melancholy.

"Who prepared the umbrella and sage earlier?" she inquired softly.

"At Colonel Blackwood's request," came the reply.

The gesture pierced her defenses. How could anyone resist such thoughtful devotion? Victoria Dawson must be drowning in happiness, basking in Liam's affection.

Envy coiled around Evelyn's heart.

What cosmic debt must she repay to earn even a sliver of such devotion in another lifetime?

Shaking off the thought, she reclaimed the sage bowl with murmured thanks and returned inside.

+15 BONUS

The following days at Blackwood Manor unfolded as the most serene Evelyn had known in years.

With staff attending to every need, her world narrowed to literary escapes, melodic interludes, and lazy mornings cocooned in luxurious solitude.

The tranquility shattered exactly seven days later.

News of Evelyn's residence had reached Victoria, who descended upon the manor the moment Liam's departure was confirmed.

"You!" Victoria's accusatory finger trembled with rage as she stormed into the library. "By whose authority do you occupy this house? How dare you touch my collection!"

Evelyn marked her page deliberately before meeting Victoria's furious gaze. Rising, she reshelved the volume with deliberate care. "Liam granted me permission."

Victoria's fists clenched, knuckles whitening. "Listen carefully," she hissed. "My patience with you exists solely out of respect for Colonel Blackwood's grandmother."

She swept an arm toward the custom-built shelves. "Every detail here reflects my taste - this library, these volumes - all designed for our marital home." Her voice turned glacial. "Had you not schemed your way between us, I'd rightfully occupy your place."

"Twenty years of shared history binds us. Was stealing him not enough? Must you pilfer my home, my books?" Victoria's contemptuous laugh held no warmth. "Your audacity astounds me, Evelyn Carter."

To an outsider, Victoria's narrative might seem plausible.

But Evelyn knew the truth.

She'd been an unwitting pawn, unaware of Victoria's existence or Liam's coerced marriage until it was too late.

"My apologies for the intrusion," Evelyn responded flatly. "I'll depart immediately."

Upstairs, she packed with military efficiency - essentials only. The duffel weighed little as she descended.

As she brushed past, Victoria's hand shot out, nails digging into Evelyn's forearm. The smile twisting Victoria's lips held no kindness. "Oh no, you don't leave that easily."