Chapter 266

Liam noticed the flicker of recognition in Archibald's gaze and instantly understood.

Had the shrewd old man seen through the deception at first glance?

Archibald turned to Liam with grave intensity. "Take care of her, Liam," he said quietly.

Liam gave a solemn nod.

"What's wrong with you? He's supposed to marry Victoria! Who are you telling him to protect?" Margaret snapped irritably.

Archibald completely ignored her. Rising from his seat, he announced, "We won't impose on you further. We'll take our leave now. We'll visit again soon."

Margaret looked utterly bewildered.

Liam and Evelyn stood to see them out.

Before entering the car, Archibald couldn't resist turning back for one last look at Evelyn.

Their eyes met in a silent exchange filled with unspoken sorrow and resignation.

As the car disappeared down the driveway, Liam reached for Evelyn's hand with a sigh. "You shouldn't have agreed to meet them."

Evelyn's expression darkened with regret. "I never expected Grandfather would recognize me."

"Archibald Hoffis has always trusted his instincts over anything else," Liam said with a wry smile. "But he understands the situation. He won't reveal anything."

Evelyn nodded solemnly. "We can't let Grandmother know. She wouldn't be able to keep this secret with her temperament."

Liam pulled her into a comforting embrace, gently stroking her hair as he felt her trembling against him.

Evelyn leaned into his warmth, closing her eyes as the ache in her chest gradually eased.

Meanwhile at Wright Manor, Victoria lounged on the sofa, happily munching on snacks while watching entertainment shows.

She was thoroughly enjoying her luxurious life as the heiress of a wealthy family.

Suddenly, Julian stormed downstairs in a rage and snatched the snack bag from her hands.

"How can you just sit here eating and watching TV?" he growled. "The old couple went to Blackwood Manor!"

Victoria froze in shock before scrambling to her feet. "That's fine," she said nervously. "Grandmother has seen her before and didn't recognize her at all."

Julian paced furiously, running a hand through his hair. "You're underestimating Archibald Hoffis," he hissed. "The man built his fortune from nothing. Do you really think he's that easily fooled?"

"Relax," Victoria said with forced casualness. "Even if he suspects something, just have him do a DNA test. You control all the testing centers in the country anyway, don't you?"

Julian glared at her with such intensity that for a moment, he seemed ready to strangle her.

Just then, the sound of a car pulling up outside caught their attention.

Julian and Victoria immediately composed themselves and went to greet the returning couple.

Margaret's cheerful voice rang through the foyer. "Wonderful news, Victoria! Liam's divorced now!"

Victoria rushed forward eagerly. "Really, Grandmother? That's amazing!" she exclaimed, clutching the older woman's hands.

Archibald walked past Julian with an icy expression.

"Father," Julian greeted respectfully with a nod.

Archibald merely acknowledged him with a curt grunt.

"Did you... meet Liam and Evelyn?" Julian asked hesitantly as he followed his father inside.

Archibald settled onto the sofa, his darkening gaze fixed on Victoria as she fussed over her grandmother.

"We did," he said slowly. "If Victoria hadn't told us about her plastic surgery, I might have thought Evelyn was my real granddaughter."

Victoria paled visibly, her hands trembling as she avoided his piercing stare.

With forced laughter, she stammered, "It's just cosmetic surgery! She had it done specially to marry Liam."