Chapter 324

In Blackwood Manor, Liam Blackwood sat in deep contemplation after reviewing the surveillance footage Rosalind Baskins had brought.

The footage provided no definitive proof that Julian Whitmore had abducted Evelyn Carter. Yet the circumstantial evidence was too compelling to dismiss.

Rosalind paced anxiously. "Mr. Blackwood, we must send search parties immediately. Every moment we delay puts Cassandra in greater danger!"

Liam's brow furrowed as he responded, "He claims to care for her. I doubt he'd harm her."

"That's ridiculous!" Rosalind snapped. "That madman orchestrated her parents' deaths and performed unauthorized surgery to erase her memories."

"If Cassandra remains in his clutches, who knows what he'll do? You must act now!"

Liam's fist clenched as he studied Rosalind with an inscrutable expression, masking his inner turmoil. "My men are already searching."

"But why was Cassandra coming to see me with luggage at dawn? What was her intention?"

Rosalind's pulse quickened as she revealed the truth. "I overheard Victoria Dawson's scheme last night. She's planning a forced marriage to trap you."

Liam's face darkened, his eyebrows knitting together in shock. The revelation caught him completely off guard.

Perched nervously on the sofa's edge, Rosalind fought the urge to join the search. Without leads, she'd be as effective as a headless chicken - wasting precious time and energy.

A bitter chuckle escaped Liam's lips. "So Victoria plotted a shotgun wedding, and Cassandra wanted to protect me?"

Rosalind nodded confirmation.

Lowering his head, Liam smiled wryly, touched despite the absurdity. "She could have simply told me. I have capable people at my disposal."

"Cassandra trusts no one but herself... and you." Rosalind hesitated before continuing, "She originally assigned me to protect you personally, but..."

"I refused, deeming it inappropriate. So she decided to protect you herself, but left without informing me. That's when she disappeared."

Leaning back in his chair, Liam regarded Rosalind with unfathomable intensity. "We're divorced. She's been distant."

"Why would she concern herself with my personal affairs? Why protect me at all?"

"She cares about you," Rosalind blurted.

Liam's piercing gaze searched Rosalind's face across the desk, seeking hidden truths.

After a weighted pause, he probed further. "Her name is Cassandra Wright, formerly Victoria Dawson. Why do you insist on calling her Cassandra?"

"Force of habit," Rosalind replied casually, then tensed as she noticed the odd glint in Liam's eyes - bright yet confused.

"Which Cassandra?" Liam pressed. "Her full name?"

Rosalind grew increasingly agitated. "Names don't matter now! Finding her does!"

"We'll have news soon," Liam reassured, deftly changing subjects. "Which university did she attend?"

"Solterra National Defense University," Rosalind answered.

"Her degrees?" Liam continued.

Rosalind snapped impatiently, "Dual Ph.D. in chemistry and engineering. Shouldn't you know this? Why ask me?"

Liam's confusion surfaced. "Chemistry... engineering... dual doctorate?"

Though he masked it well, his pupils dilated slightly and his hands clenched involuntarily. He knew Cassandra studied chemistry, but engineering? A dual Ph.D.? Her academic credentials far exceeded his expectations, raising disturbing questions he dared not pursue.

"Where does she work?" Liam pressed onward.