Chapter 319

Evelyn's reckless behavior infuriated me. She hadn't thought things through at all.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself not to lose my temper with Margaret. After all, she'd been manipulated by that scheming Victoria.

Liam's jaw clenched as he fixed Margaret with a dangerous glare. "You—"

After enduring Julian and Victoria's constant pressure, he couldn't tolerate being pushed to the edge by his unreasonable wife.

Now he understood why Evelyn hesitated to reveal the truth. With Margaret's irrational behavior, telling her would be pointless.

Margaret pointed an accusing finger at Evelyn. "Whether it's Liam or Julian, don't get any ideas. Allowing you to stay here is already stretching my patience."

Evelyn offered a placating smile. "Please don't upset yourself, Mrs. Hoffis. It won't happen again. Let's eat."

Margaret huffed and returned to her meal.

Victoria studied Evelyn with narrowed eyes. "Tell me honestly - have you really cut all ties with Liam?"

"Completely," Evelyn confirmed.

Victoria pressed further, "Then why did he agree to marry me, only to change his mind? If not because of you, then what?"

Rosalind muttered under her breath while eating, "Aside from your family's money, you have nothing to offer. General Blackwood isn't blind. Why would he want you?"

Victoria's face flushed crimson. She grabbed a spoon and hurled it at Rosalind.

With astonishing reflexes, Rosalind dodged the flying utensil, leaving everyone stunned. She slammed the table and rose aggressively, catching Victoria off guard.

Evelyn quickly restrained Rosalind, signaling her to stand down.

Throughout dinner, Julian remained silent but watchful, his piercing gaze fixed on Evelyn. She sensed his growing suspicion.

Liam's sharp command cut through the tension. "Enough. Everyone focus on eating."

The meal, more like a battlefield, finally concluded.

As night fell, Rosalind crept onto the balcony outside Victoria's room to eavesdrop. What she discovered shocked her.

Julian entered Victoria's room and locked the door. Without warning, he delivered a stinging slap.

"You're an idiot. I can't understand why the organization chose someone as dim-witted as you."

Victoria retorted, "How dare you hit me? Is this because of Evelyn?"

Julian warned coldly, "Listen carefully. Your primary mission is to find Evelyn, not Liam."

"I was sent here to get close to Liam and steal Aldenria's secrets."

"You? You'll never get near Liam in this lifetime."

Victoria smirked. "Just wait. In two months, I'll not only marry Liam but carry his child."

Julian scoffed in disgust.

Rosalind gasped, slowly backing away before slipping onto the rooftop. She hurried to Evelyn's room.

Evelyn had just settled in bed when she heard movement. She sat up to find Rosalind entering through the balcony door.

"What's wrong?" Evelyn asked.

Rosalind climbed onto the bed and whispered urgently, "Evelyn, I've discovered something crucial."

"What is it?"

"Julian and Victoria belong to an organization. Julian's mission is to find you, while Victoria's is to infiltrate General Blackwood's circle and steal Aldenria's secrets."

Evelyn's expression darkened. Though she'd suspected, hearing it confirmed still shocked her.

Rosalind added, "I couldn't catch the organization's name."

Evelyn spoke slowly, recalling Liam's investigation. "It's the Obsidian Circle."

Rosalind's eyes widened. "The Obsidian Circle?"

Evelyn nodded.

Excited, Rosalind covered her mouth. "Could your parents be their prisoners?"

Evelyn sighed. "After all this searching, I finally have leads."

"How do we find their hideout?"

Evelyn's eyes hardened. "We capture their intermediary. Then we'll locate their headquarters."