Chapter 27

Margaret gently stroked Evelyn's hair with affection, her lips curling into a warm smile. "Your husband has arrived."

Evelyn froze. The color drained from her face instantly.

Margaret gestured toward the grand hallway. "He's waiting inside."

Panic surged through Evelyn as she spun around to look.

Was Liam here to punish her for what happened with Victoria? Or had he finally come to serve divorce papers?

"You stayed here overnight," Margaret whispered conspiratorially. "I believe he missed you terribly. That's why he's come to bring you home."

Evelyn forced her lips into a tight smile, swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat.

Sweet Margaret knew nothing about the disaster their marriage had become. She still imagined them as the perfect couple.

Supporting Margaret's arm, Evelyn helped the elderly woman back into the mansion. The moment they stepped inside, Liam emerged from the study.

Margaret's face lit up. "Come here, dear boy."

"Grandmother." Liam approached with military precision, greeting Margaret with a respectful nod.

Dressed in casual black attire, his simple shirt somehow enhanced his commanding presence.

Despite her resentment, Evelyn couldn't deny the familiar pull of attraction. She averted her gaze, determined not to speak to him.

Liam's eyes lowered when he noticed Evelyn accompanying Margaret.

The man who issued orders with such ease now stood awkwardly silent, his usual confidence gone.

His gaze dropped to Evelyn's injured hands, guilt flashing across his chiseled features.

The air between them grew thick with unspoken tension.

Liam cleared his throat. "How are your hands?" His voice was uncharacteristically gentle.

Evelyn instinctively pulled back, curling her fingers slightly. "They're fine," she clipped, too raw for polite conversation.

Margaret frowned. She grabbed Evelyn's wrist, displaying the wounded palms to Liam. "They're clearly not fine! Look at these scratches!" Her voice trembled with concern. "She claims she fell on the road, but look at her knees too - completely scraped raw."

"She wept uncontrollably when I treated her wounds yesterday. Two hours of nonstop crying, Liam. Her eyes were so swollen, if I didn't know better, I'd think she'd lost her husband!"

Evelyn yanked her hand away, cheeks burning. "That's not true," she muttered. "Please don't exaggerate, Grandmother."

Liam shifted uncomfortably. Reaching into his pocket, he produced a small medical tube. "This ointment will help the healing," he offered, extending it toward Evelyn.

She stared at the proffered tube, making no move to accept it. "I appreciate the thought, but no thank you," she said coldly.

Liam flinched as if struck. After a tense moment, he set the tube on the nearby console table, his guilt visibly deepening.

Evelyn guided Margaret to the plush living room sofa. Liam followed silently, taking a seat nearby.

"I'll be in my room if you need me, Grandmother," Evelyn said softly.

Margaret looked startled. "But your husband is right here! Shouldn't you spend time together?"

"He doesn't want my company," Evelyn replied tersely.

Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Liam remained silent, but his intense gaze followed Evelyn's retreating form.

Margaret observed the guilt in her grandson's eyes and smiled knowingly to herself.