Chapter 272

"I'm sorry..." Evelyn whispered, her voice barely audible.

Liam couldn't bear to watch any longer. His fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. "Ms. Carter, Mr. Blackwood devoted six months of his life to you. For you, he-"

"Enough," Liam growled, silencing Adrian mid-sentence.

Adrian immediately stepped back, biting his tongue.

Liam forced a casual tone. "Planning to return to Solterra?"

Evelyn kept her gaze lowered. "After I settle the two snakes near Grandpa and Grandma's graves."

Liam scrambled for excuses to keep her in Aldenria. "What about taking over the Wright family business?"

"No."

"Isn't it perfect? Your lover comes to Aldenria while you inherit the family empire. You could stay and spend time with your grandparents."

She offered him a sad smile and shook her head.

His jaw tightened, but he managed to say stiffly, "Then I wish you happiness."

Without another glance, he strode away. Ryan hurried after him.

Adrian remained, his face pale with suppressed anger. He pointed an accusing finger at Evelyn. "I've never met a woman as heartless as you. I know exactly who you are."

His teeth ground together. "Mr. Blackwood has loved you for over a decade. To become worthy of you, he risked his life climbing the ranks. That's how he reached his current position."

"Every time you were in danger, he dropped everything to save you. When you were in that coma, he cared for you day and night-"

Rosalind cut in sharply, "That's enough! What are you trying to do? Guilt-trip her? His sacrifices were his choice. He can't demand repayment."

Adrian glared at Rosalind, who stood her ground. "Mr. Blackwood said nothing about this. All he did was wish her well. Why are you pushing this when he expects nothing in return?"

Adrian threw his hands up. "I- I can't just stand by!"

Rosalind scoffed. "So you'd force her to accept a man she doesn't love because you can't handle the situation?"

A man she didn't love? The words struck Evelyn like physical blows, leaving her disoriented and heartsick.

Before leaving Aldenria years ago, she'd been too young to understand love. She'd only known she was fond of Liam.

But these past three years had changed everything. She'd fallen deeply, irrevocably in love with him.

Even if their relationship was doomed, the last thing she wanted was to hurt him.

Tears welled up instantly. Brushing past Adrian, Evelyn ran after Liam, leaving a startled Rosalind scrambling to follow. "Evelyn? What's wrong?"

Seeing this, Adrian chased after both women.

Liam had reached his car at the hospital entrance. Ryan glanced back. "Mr. Blackwood, Adrian hasn't come out yet."

Liam turned just as Evelyn came running through the doors. He froze, his hands clenching nervously at his sides.

Evelyn reached him, breathless. "Liam, I'm sorry. I-"

He gave her a bitter smile. She'd apologized too many times already. "You've done nothing wrong."

His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Take care of yourself. Leave your grandparents' matter to me."

"But-"