Chapter 329

A sudden realization dawned on Evelyn. She let out a soft chuckle. "So Julian can't possibly harm Mr. Blackwood."

"Exactly," Cassandra replied, peeling back the covers and swinging her legs off the bed.

Evelyn stood abruptly. "Cassandra, where are you going?"

"I need to speak with Liam," Cassandra answered, smoothing her wrinkled clothes and moving to the vanity to fix her disheveled hair.

"Mr. Blackwood specifically told me to inform him when you woke up," Evelyn said quickly. "There's no need for you to go to his study. I'll call him here."

Cassandra shook her head. "I've been lying down too long. My muscles ache. I need to move around."

Without waiting for a response, Cassandra strode out of the bedroom.

Evelyn hurried after her.

They ascended to the second floor, Evelyn trailing closely behind as Cassandra made her way toward the study.

Cassandra suddenly turned, waving her hand dismissively. "You don't need to follow me. Go attend to your own duties."

Evelyn's expression turned serious. "You vanished three years ago, then disappeared again yesterday. I won't take any chances. From now on, I'm sticking to you like glue - 24/7 protection."

Cassandra frowned at the younger woman's intensity.

"Except for bathroom breaks," Evelyn amended solemnly. "But we're sharing a bedroom tonight."

A reluctant smile tugged at Cassandra's lips. Touched by the concern, she reached out to ruffle Evelyn's hair. "Alright. You can sleep in my room."

"But this is Blackwood Manor," Cassandra continued gently. "You really don't need to worry about me here."

Evelyn snorted, crossing her arms defiantly. "Blackwood Manor or not, I kidnapped you from here once without breaking a sweat."

Cassandra couldn't argue with that logic.

"I'm just going to see Liam," Cassandra reassured. "It may be out of your sight, but I'll still be under his watch. He won't let anything happen to me."

Evelyn pointed behind Cassandra.

Before Evelyn could speak, Cassandra added, "I need to thank him privately. I'll return shortly. Really, there's no need to follow."

"No thanks necessary," a warm voice interrupted from behind.

Cassandra's heart skipped a beat as she whirled around to face Liam. He wore casual gray athletic wear that somehow still managed to look elegant on his tall frame.

A thousand words crowded her throat, but now that he stood before her, she found herself tongue-tied.

She stood frozen, drowning in the depths of his striking eyes.

Evelyn took the hint and tactfully retreated downstairs, leaving them alone.

Cassandra's hands hung awkwardly at her sides. She glanced out the window at the darkening sky. "How long was I asleep?"

"From yesterday noon until this evening," Liam answered.

That explained the persistent growling in her stomach.

"Liam," Cassandra began hesitantly, her cheeks flushing before she could continue.

Liam waited patiently, his gaze intense yet gentle.

"Yes?" he prompted when she hesitated.

Cassandra lowered her head, gathering her thoughts before meeting his eyes again. Her gaze held determination, but the words wouldn't come.

Liam gave a rueful smile. Recognizing her struggle, he took the initiative. "Evelyn mentioned Victoria planned to harm me?"

Cassandra nodded vigorously.

"She... she wanted to drug you," Cassandra blurted out, her nerves making her voice tight. "Force you into marriage."

Liam chuckled darkly. "That's rather diabolical."

"Extremely," Cassandra agreed emphatically.

"Do you know who she planned to use?" Liam asked.

Cassandra shook her head. "I don't."

Liam's lips quirked in amusement. "Then I'm completely defenseless against her schemes."

After a thoughtful pause, Cassandra suggested, "Liam, if you trust me, let me stay with you—"

"Done," Liam interrupted before she could finish.

His sudden enthusiasm startled her. "I'd feel much safer with you protecting me," he declared.

Cassandra blinked, momentarily thrown by his immediate acceptance.