Chapter 262

Evelyn climbed the stairs quietly, catching snippets of Liam expressing gratitude to the Hudson siblings. Victoria's displeased tone barely reached her ears.

She entered her bedroom and turned the lock with a quiet click. Perching on the edge of her bed, Evelyn mentally retraced every significant event since her memories returned.

That first moment when Liam's grandmother identified her as Cassandra at the gala - it had been the beginning of countless near-revelations about her true identity.

What unsettled her most was Julian Whitmore. Her own uncle had conspired with outsiders to steal her identity, even posing as her former lover.

Accepting herself as Cassandra Wright had been challenging enough. But M Winkler? The name carried an unbearable weight that made her chest constrict.

Cassandra Wright, alias M Winkler - a Solterran citizen, chemical scientist, and top-tier weapons engineer.

Tears welled up as she gave a resigned smile. She fell backward onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling while anxieties swirled in her mind.

In that moment, she wished she could remain ignorant. Just be Liam Blackwood's wife - an ordinary, vulnerable Aldenrian woman.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Are you asleep, Cass?" Liam's voice filtered through the door.

Evelyn remained silent, blinking away tears as she stared at the doorway.

After two unanswered knocks, footsteps retreated down the hallway.

"What should I do now, Liam?" She curled into herself, pulling the duvet tight as silent sobs shook her body.

Morning light found her washing up mechanically. She paused mid-step when opening her bedroom door.

Liam stood waiting, hands in his pockets, his tall frame radiating quiet authority. Even in stillness, he commanded attention with that innate military bearing.

"Morning," he greeted warmly.

Evelyn swallowed before offering a thin smile. "Good morning."

They both knew she'd been awake all night, deliberately avoiding him.

"Let's talk, Cass."

Evelyn leaned against the doorframe. "Come in."

Liam withdrew his hands and strode past her into the room.

Closing the door, Evelyn followed, her fingers twisting nervously.

He turned to face her. "I understood you couldn't speak freely last night with everyone present."

His gaze softened. "It's just us now. Tell me the truth."

Evelyn lowered her head, gathering her thoughts. After a sleepless night of deliberation, she knew exactly what needed saying.

When she looked up, her gaze held steady conviction.

"Why didn't you tell me?" The question hung between them.

Liam's brow furrowed.

"I was Victoria Dawson as a child. After moving countries, I became Cassandra Wright. You knew this all along - why keep it from me?"

Liam's expression darkened. After a beat, he reached for her arm with uncharacteristic hesitation. "I wanted to eliminate the threats against you first."

Evelyn understood his reasoning. Without her memories, the information would have been useless - possibly dangerous if she'd recklessly sought out her family.

She didn't press further. Instead, she closed the distance between them, searching his warm brown eyes before whispering, "So the girl you loved... was always me?"

Liam stared at the face inches from his, his breath hitching. The tips of his ears burned crimson as his gaze grew heated.

Noticing his reaction, Evelyn grinned. "Do you still love me now?"

He exhaled shakily, chest rising and falling rapidly. That familiar electric current between them sparked to life again, leaving him speechless with nervous anticipation.