Chapter 25

Evelyn's blood ran cold. "What do you want?"

Victoria's lips curled into a chilling smile. "Liam's coming home. Did you know this mansion has no security cameras except at the entrance? Perfect for private diplomatic meetings, isn't it?"

A shiver crawled down Evelyn's spine. Every hair on her body stood on end when she saw the predatory gleam in Victoria's eyes.

Before Evelyn could blink, Victoria lunged at the bookshelf, sending expensive leather-bound volumes crashing to the marble floor. Then came the sharp crack of palm against flesh - once, twice - until angry red fingerprints bloomed across Victoria's porcelain cheek.

Evelyn watched in horrified fascination. She'd known Victoria was manipulative, but this level of self-harm shocked even her.

Liam adored Victoria blindly. With Evelyn's already tarnished reputation, no explanation would convince him.

She was trapped.

"You're psychotic," Evelyn spat through clenched teeth. "Hurting yourself just to frame me? You're completely deranged!"

Victoria's eyes narrowed to slits as she advanced like a panther stalking prey.

Evelyn retreated warily. "Does Liam know the monster you really are?"

Victoria's laugh sent chills through Evelyn. "You should've researched your husband better, Evelyn. Everyone knows Liam's childhood sweetheart holds his heart. You'll never understand how deeply he loves me."

"To him, I'm perfection itself - kind, innocent, flawless." Victoria's smile turned vicious. "Do you really think he'd ever doubt me?"

Evelyn couldn't breathe. She turned to flee.

Victoria caught her at the door just as armored tires crunched on the driveway gravel.

The transformation was instantaneous. Tears welled in Victoria's eyes as she wailed, "I'm sorry Evelyn! I never meant to come between you two! Please don't hurt me again!"

"Let go, you lunatic!" Evelyn struggled against Victoria's iron grip.

The car door slammed. Liam's furious footsteps approached.

"Nate!" Victoria sobbed dramatically. "Evelyn hit me! I swear I'm not trying to break up your marriage!"

Liam took in the vivid handprint on Victoria's face. His expression darkened like a thundercloud.

In one brutal motion, he wrenched Evelyn away with enough force to send her sprawling down the stone steps.

Her palms scraped raw against concrete. Tears of pain blurred her vision as she bit back a whimper.

The physical pain was nothing compared to the dagger twisting in her heart.

When Liam saw her bleeding hands, something flickered in his eyes - just for a second. Then his face hardened again.

"I warned you, Evelyn," he growled. "Touch Victoria again and you'll regret it."

Evelyn met his icy gaze, her voice trembling with anguish. "Liam Blackwood, you haven't seen her in a decade. Do you really know this woman? She's framed me repeatedly. That sweet angel act? She's a venomous snake in designer clothes!"