Chapter 252

Dorothy's wails echoed through the crowded room.

A journalist shoved a microphone forward. "Ms. Carter, why are you refusing to support your adoptive parents? How do you feel about them revealing your private history to the media?"

Evelyn straightened her posture, facing the sea of flashing cameras. Her voice remained steady. "Actually, I'll use this platform to share my truth with the world."

"Three years ago, I lost all memory of my past. I don't remember who I truly am, but I know I'm not Evelyn Carter. My entire life has been carefully constructed to fit this identity."

"I understand the risks of speaking out, but I can no longer endure this family's cruelty."

Gasps rippled through the audience. The Carter family members exchanged shocked glances. Dorothy staggered to her feet, her face twisted in horror. "Sweetheart, what terrible lies are you telling?"

Ignoring the outburst, Evelyn pressed her fingertips to her cheekbone. "I've never had plastic surgery. Medical records will confirm this."

"So I beg anyone who might recognize me - former friends, classmates, or relatives - to come forward."

Dorothy frantically produced a DNA report from her purse. "We've tested twice! You're my daughter!"

Evelyn's gaze hardened. "Like me, you've been deceived by fabricated evidence. You should focus on finding your real daughter. I'm not her."

Turning to the press, she concluded, "Please help spread my story. Help me find my true family."

With that, she turned on her heel. Two armored bodyguards materialized, shielding her from the clamoring reporters as she exited.

Back at Blackwood Manor, Evelyn collapsed onto the plush sofa, emotionally drained. She'd promised Liam to keep silent, but the truth had become unbearable.

As expected, social media exploded with speculation. Evelyn couldn't bear to check her phone, terrified of the backlash.

An hour passed. She curled into a tight ball on the bedroom couch, knees drawn to her chest, staring blankly at the coffee table.

The door swung open. Familiar footsteps approached.

Evelyn lifted tear-filled eyes to meet Liam's stormy gaze.

His rapid breathing betrayed how urgently he'd rushed home. Their locked eyes communicated volumes without words.

"I'm sorry, Liam," she whispered brokenly.

He sank beside her, pulling her into his strong embrace. "No, darling. The apology should be mine."

Evelyn buried her face in his chest, tears glistening. "Have I caused more trouble for you?"

Liam's heart ached as he stroked her silken hair. "Sweetheart, you could never be a burden."

He'd already contained the fallout - handling Donovan and Dominic, managing the media frenzy. Yet he'd underestimated Dorothy's audacity in staging this public spectacle.

"Liam," Evelyn murmured, closing her eyes as fresh tears fell.

The past days had pushed her to breaking point. She'd rather face unknown dangers than endure her "family's" torment. And she couldn't bear watching Liam suffer because of her identity crisis.