Chapter 260

A shiver raced down Evelyn's spine, icy fingers of dread tracing her vertebrae as cold perspiration bloomed across her skin.

The artificial voice shattered the silence through her headphones, crisp and clinical.

"Iris recognition confirmed. Welcome to the classified intelligence network, Ms. Wright. How may I assist you today?"

"Ms. Wright?" Evelyn's breath hitched. Though Liam had mentioned this name in passing, she couldn't fathom it belonging to her.

The revelation that followed struck like lightning. Her hands trembled violently as she whispered, "Tell me who I am."

The AI responded with chilling precision: "You are Cassandra Wright, alias Wanda Hoffis. Formerly registered as Victoria Dawson. Age 25, born in Aldenria to an Aldenrian father and Solterran mother."

"You obtained Solterran citizenship at age 14. Graduated with dual doctorates from Solterra National Defense Academy."

"Currently holding top-level clearance as principal chemical weapons researcher and first-class military engineer, designated a national treasure of Solterra."

Evelyn ripped off the headphones, her face draining of color. Tears welled in her wide, unseeing eyes as her lips quivered uncontrollably.

Her heart hammered against her ribs like a caged beast, the staggering truth threatening to crush her.

How could she—who believed herself a discarded orphan—possibly be Cassandra Wright, the woman hunted by intelligence agencies worldwide?

Stumbling to her feet, Evelyn lurched toward Rosalind and thrust the tablet at her.

"You're white as a ghost," Rosalind observed, concern etching her features. "What's wrong?"

Evelyn couldn't breathe. Her chest constricted as if bound by iron bands. "I need... I need to go home," she gasped.

"We'll arrange immediate transport," Rosalind said eagerly.

Evelyn shook her head violently. "No! To Shadowmire Island. To my husband's estate. You've made a mistake—I'm not who you think I am!"

Rosalind seized her wrist with surprising strength. "Cassandra, this system doesn't make errors. If you accessed this data, you are exactly who we've been searching for."

"I've served as your personal security since you were sixteen, until your disappearance at twenty-two. Six years, Cassandra. I'd recognize you anywhere."

Evelyn remained paralyzed by the revelation, gently extricating her arm. "Please... just give me space. I need to think."

Rosalind studied Evelyn's ashen complexion and haunted expression. Perhaps the truth had come too suddenly. "Of course. Let's get you somewhere quiet first."

Guiding Evelyn toward the waiting vehicle, Rosalind murmured, "Your country has waited so long for your return, Cassandra."

Drowning in the maelstrom of emotions, Evelyn heard nothing. Her mind reeled, thoughts scattering like leaves in a hurricane.

When they arrived at Blackwood Manor, a crowd had gathered—soldiers and staff who'd scoured the continent for her.

"Madam's returned!" The sentries erupted in cheers as Evelyn crossed the threshold, their voices thick with emotion.

Then—movement. A blur of dark fabric as Liam crashed into her, crushing her against his chest as if trying to merge their very souls.

Evelyn melted into his embrace, the rigid tension in her limbs dissolving in the warmth of his arms.

Pressed against his pounding heart, silent tears carved paths down her cheeks. The floodgates burst—years of lost memories surging forth, each recollection a fresh wound.

Her body shook with violent sobs, anxiety manifesting in cold sweat and trembling limbs.

Liam held her tighter, his breath ragged against her hair. His voice broke when he finally spoke. "My love, nothing matters except that you're safe. Thank God you came home."