Chapter 26

Liam's face turned stormy as Evelyn's words sank in. His icy glare sent shivers down her spine.

Evelyn trembled with fear. The murderous rage in his eyes terrified her, yet she couldn't remain silent while being framed. She had to defend herself, even if it cost her life.

Whether Liam believed her or not didn't matter anymore. She knew nothing could change his perception of Victoria.

A heavy silence fell between them.

Liam studied the fierce determination in Evelyn's eyes. That same fire had burned when he'd rescued her in Valtoria, and when she'd confronted her gambling-addicted brother at the casino.

Her tearful yet resolute expression reminded him painfully of young Victoria. That same stubborn will to overcome any obstacle.

The resemblance unsettled him, stirring unexpected emotions.

Wiping her tears roughly with bruised hands, Evelyn revealed raw, bleeding wounds. Only then did Liam notice the extent of her injuries.

She grabbed her duffel bag and turned toward the door. Each limping step seemed agonizing as she paused to examine her scraped knees before continuing forward.

The morning sunlight illuminated her retreating figure - so fragile yet proud. While warmth bathed the world, her heart remained in shadows.

Inside, Victoria pressed a hand to her swollen cheek, sobbing dramatically. "I'm not some homewrecker! Why did she attack me? Why?"

With theatrical despair, she retreated into the house.

Liam followed, watching pensively as she gathered scattered books. His sharp eyes noted how carelessly she reshelved them.

The real Victoria from his childhood had been obsessive about proper book arrangement.

The discrepancy shocked him.

That evening in his study, Liam reviewed surveillance footage from Blackwood Manor's entrance. With quick keystrokes, he sent the file to Aldenria Military's top programmer.

"Enhance the audio and remove background noise," he ordered coldly when the call connected. "I need crystal clear dialogue from this specific timestamp."

"Consider it done, General Blackwood," came the confident reply.

Only Liam knew about the hidden cameras at his residence. Evelyn's tear-streaked yet defiant face haunted him. Her resignation stirred an unfamiliar restlessness.

Ten minutes later, the enhanced audio arrived.

Liam hesitated before pressing play. What he heard kept him awake all night.

Shovale Manor stood majestic amidst lush gardens. Evelyn returned with an armful of freshly picked wildflowers.

An elegant silver-haired woman sat in the pergola. Despite her age, Margaret Thorn radiated quiet strength and grace.

"Grandmother," Evelyn called softly.

Margaret extended a welcoming hand. "My dear, have you been gathering flowers again?"

Evelyn arranged the blossoms on the stone table before settling beside her. "The lupines are blooming beautifully," she murmured. "I thought they'd brighten the house."