Chapter 33

Evelyn finally understood the depth of Liam's anger. She let her tears flow freely, hoping her pitiful appearance would soften his heart.

With trembling lips, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Liam. Why are you treating me this way?"

Liam's voice turned icy. "Did you truly believe I wouldn't discover your scheme against Evelyn just because Blackwood Manor has no surveillance?"

All color drained from Victoria's face. She stood frozen, unable to form a response. After a long pause, she finally managed, "Evelyn was the one plotting against me!"

"Still lying?" Liam's disappointment cut deeper than his anger. "Do you take me for a fool, Victoria?"

Realizing the truth couldn't be hidden any longer, Victoria broke down. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she adopted a remorseful expression.

"I'm so sorry, Liam! I never meant for things to go this far!"

Liam clenched his jaw, struggling to control his temper. His voice remained dangerously low when he finally spoke.

"If that were true, you wouldn't have accused Evelyn of theft. You wouldn't have provoked Grandmother into needing hospitalization!"

His next words came like a death sentence. "You're forbidden from interfering with Evelyn ever again. And you won't visit Grandmother alone. One more mistake, Victoria, and you'll face consequences you can't imagine."

Victoria reached for Liam's hand, her touch tentative. "Please," she begged, her voice trembling with false sweetness. "Forgive me this once. I swear it won't happen again."

Liam recoiled as if burned. "Your belongings will be delivered tomorrow," he stated coldly. "Use this time to reflect on your actions." Without another word, he turned and pressed the doorbell.

Victoria's pleas turned desperate. She cried, she begged, she even tried childish pouting - but Liam remained stone-faced.

When the Wright family butler appeared, Liam handed Victoria over without ceremony. He didn't look back as he strode to his car and drove away into the night.

The streets lay empty at this late hour. Liam sped through the darkness, his only thought reaching the hospital. When he finally arrived at Margaret's room, he entered quietly.

There, in the dim light, he found Evelyn carefully tending to his grandmother. She hadn't rested all night, her movements gentle yet tireless.

Liam approached silently. Evelyn turned, their eyes meeting in the half-light. Her breath caught at the intensity of his gaze.

"I thought you'd gone home," she murmured. "Why did you return?"

"I had unfinished business," Liam replied, his voice rough with emotion. "Now that it's settled, I'm here to relieve you. You should rest."

Evelyn shook her head, glancing at the still-sleeping Margaret. "I'm not tired."

Liam took her wrist, pulling her gently to her feet. "I insist," he said firmly. "You need sleep."

The warmth of his touch sent electricity through Evelyn's veins. She pulled away hastily, her cheeks flushing. "Wake me when Grandmother stirs?" she asked shyly.

"Of course," Liam promised.

Evelyn settled onto the narrow cot, curling on her side to face Margaret. She tucked her knees close, making herself small.

Liam watched as she struggled to keep her eyes open. Rising silently, he retrieved a blanket from the closet and draped it over her.

Evelyn's breath caught at his unexpected tenderness. She could only stare, speechless, as he carefully tucked the edges around her.

When he moved to draw the privacy curtain, his final instruction came softly: "Close your eyes."

A strange warmth filled Evelyn's chest as she obeyed. Her heartbeat quickened at the thought of their impending divorce after Margaret's birthday.

Liam embodied honor and loyalty - a man of deep passion beneath his cool exterior. A man who loved his country, his family... and undoubtedly Cassandra.

These bittersweet thoughts followed Evelyn into sleep.

She awoke to find midday sunlight streaming through the windows. Liam sat by Margaret's bedside, helping her with lunch.

Evelyn's heart twisted painfully before she managed a reproachful look. "You promised to wake me!"

Margaret chuckled weakly. "Liam said you finally slept at dawn. He wanted you to rest."

Evelyn's cheeks warmed even as her heart swelled. She took Margaret's hand anxiously. "How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?"

The genuine concern in her voice made Liam look up, his expression unreadable.