Chapter 248

Liam sat frozen in place as Evelyn's delicate fingers wrapped around his wrist. "Come with me," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

He rose mechanically, allowing her to lead him up the grand staircase. Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone so petite.

The bedroom door clicked shut behind them. Evelyn guided him to sit on the edge of the four-poster bed, her hands trembling visibly.

"Sit down, please." Her voice cracked with nervous energy.

Liam obeyed, studying her flushed face. The usual clarity in her emerald eyes had been replaced by something hesitant, almost shy. There was an unfamiliar mischief in her expression that made his pulse quicken.

With gentle pressure, she pushed against his shoulders until his back met the mattress. She hovered above him, her breathing uneven.

"I don't know how to say this," she whispered, her warm breath fanning across his face. "I had DNA tests done with Dorothy. I'm not her biological daughter."

She swallowed hard before continuing. "You might have guessed Evelyn was adopted. But I'm not even her. The medical report confirmed... I'm still untouched." Her cheeks burned scarlet as the words tumbled out.

Perched atop him, her fingers fumbled with the buttons of his dress shirt. Each shaky exhale made her chest rise and fall rapidly.

"Let me show you—"

Liam's hand shot up to stop hers, his grip firm. His throat constricted as he struggled to maintain control.

"I believe you, sweetheart," he said, voice strained. "You don't need to prove anything like this."

Evelyn blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly.

In one fluid motion, Liam reversed their positions, caging her beneath him. Even the slightest movement from her sent fire racing through his veins.

His normally steady voice dropped an octave. "When we come together, it should be about love—not some test of purity."

She turned her face away, embarrassed. "I destroyed the evidence. I was afraid you wouldn't believe me."

He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "I trust you implicitly. But this stays between us. You must keep playing Evelyn for now."

She nodded against his chest. "I understand. Until I uncover who I really am—who's pulling the strings—"

"You're exposed while they hide in shadows," Liam finished. "Smart girl."

"What about the backlash from the Carter family?" she asked.

"Leave that to me," he said firmly.

After a beat of silence, Evelyn whispered, "Liam... if I'm not Evelyn, then our marriage—"

His entire body tensed. "What are you suggesting?" The words came out sharper than intended.

She gave a small shake of her head. "Just thinking aloud."

Liam exhaled slowly through his nose before reaching for the hem of her blouse.

Evelyn gasped, grabbing his wrist. "What are you—"

His expression darkened. "Making this marriage indisputable. Once I've put my babies in you, you won't question this bond again."