Chapter 320

"Must we continue waiting?" Rosalind's voice trembled with urgency.

"Yes."

"But this can't wait," she insisted, fingers twisting the fabric of her skirt. "Victoria is scheming against General Blackwood."

"What exactly is she planning?"

"She intends to force marriage within two months - possibly even conceive his child," Rosalind revealed.

Evelyn's breath caught, her nails digging into the mattress as shock rippled through her.

"That viper plans to drug him first. She'll likely slip something into his drink and then... take advantage."

Evelyn's knuckles turned white against the sheets. The horrifying image played behind her eyelids.

Taking a steadying breath, she countered, "Liam's no fool. He keeps his distance from her."

"But what about his staff? His family?" Rosalind pressed. "Victoria's resources run deep. Gold buys loyalty where trust fails."

Each word tightened the knot in Evelyn's stomach. "You should call him. Warn him immediately."

"And have him suspect every meal? Every handshake?" Evelyn's voice rose. "He can't live in constant paranoia!"

Rosalind chewed her lip. "Then what do you propose?"

Evelyn's fingers closed around Rosalind's wrist. "You go. Stay by his side."

"Me?" Rosalind recoiled. "I can't shadow a general day and night! Besides, he'd never allow it."

Evelyn punched the mattress, frustration boiling over. "Then what? Let that witch have her way?"

"Doesn't he have aides?"

"What if she's already bought them?"

Rosalind gave a humorless laugh. "Then I suppose General Blackwood is destined to become Victoria's trophy husband."

Tears pricked Evelyn's eyes as she pounded the bed. That scheming harpy would stoop to drugging Liam? Forced marriage?

A man of honor like Liam would take responsibility if Victoria conceived. That single thought made Evelyn's blood run cold.

She sat bolt upright, damp hair clinging to her flushed cheeks. "Over my dead body."

Rosalind tilted her head. "If you trust no one else... why not go yourself?"

Evelyn froze, moisture gathering in her widened eyes. "Me?"

"Yes, you," Rosalind said gently. "He won't refuse you. Not his former wife. Not after everything."

Heat flooded Evelyn's face. "Absolutely not!"

She couldn't risk being near Liam again. Not when her heart still ached at the memory of his touch.

Rosalind shrugged. "Then we drop it. If Victoria succeeds... well, we'll wish them marital bliss."

Evelyn shot upright. "I'll go!"

Rosalind patted her shoulder. "Remember - we're protecting him from her schemes. Don't let your feelings complicate things."

Evelyn's cheeks burned. She grabbed Rosalind's waist. "What nonsense are you implying?"

Rosalind shrieked with laughter as they tumbled onto the bed. "Oh? Did I strike a nerve?"

"You wretched girl!" Evelyn growled, tickling mercilessly as Rosalind squirmed.

Their laughter filled the room, a brief respite from the storm gathering around Liam Blackwood.