Chapter 287

"They had video-called at least a dozen times during the past month. This made my grandparents convinced I was the impostor Victoria Dawson. Back then, Julian must have threatened my parents into cooperating in exchange for my safety."

Evelyn remained close to Liam's side. Her whisper was barely audible, carrying the faint scent of lavender. Liam felt an unusual warmth spreading through his body, his thoughts becoming increasingly scattered.

He cleared his throat roughly. "Pass me that water bottle."

"Oh." Evelyn reached for the bottle on the nightstand, her fingers brushing against his.

Liam tilted his head back, the muscles in his throat working as he drank deeply. The movement was unconsciously sensual.

Evelyn found herself staring at the way his Adam's apple moved. She licked her suddenly dry lips.

The blanket slipped from Liam's shoulders again as he wiped his mouth. Evelyn quickly averted her gaze, her cheeks burning hotter than before.

"Rosalind confirmed my parents have death certificates but no cremation records. Their graves are empty. I believe they're still alive. That's why we moved into Wright Manor - to protect my grandparents and get answers from Julian."

Liam suddenly turned Evelyn's face toward him. His intense gaze pinned her in place as he emphasized each word: "Remember what I told you? They could be Obsidian Circle operatives."

The severity in his expression made Evelyn nod hastily.

"Then why take this risk?" Liam demanded.

"To protect my family. To find the truth." Her voice held unwavering determination.

"With just you and that assistant Rosalind?" Liam's lips curled in a mocking smile.

Evelyn bit her lip before responding in a honeyed tone, "Why don't you help me, Liam? With you involved, we could accomplish twice as much with half the effort."

Even through his anger, Liam couldn't resist her pleading eyes and soft voice. "Cassandra, I promised to handle this. You need to trust me. Moving into Wright Manor is dangerous - do you understand that?"

"I do."

"Good. Leave with Rosalind today."

Evelyn shook her head firmly.

Liam exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. After a long moment, he sighed in resignation. "You haven't changed at all. Once you set your mind to something, nothing can sway you."

Evelyn leaned closer, bracing herself against the bed. "Don't underestimate Rosalind. She's highly capable."

"And what about you?" Liam's focus remained solely on Evelyn.

"Me?"

"You've lived a sheltered life, treated like royalty since childhood. Those three years of amnesia were your only hardship. How do you plan to save your family?"

Evelyn tapped Liam's shoulder confidently. "Trust me, Liam. Together we can find my parents and protect my grandparents."

"You're not listening!" Liam's eyes darkened dangerously. He threw off the blanket and stood abruptly.

Evelyn gasped, covering her eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Going to shower." Completely unselfconscious, Liam strode naked toward the bathroom.