Chapter 330

Evelyn stood frozen in place, her fingers twisting nervously at the hem of her blouse. The silence stretched between them like an endless chasm.

She recalled every cruel word she'd hurled at Liam weeks ago. The way she'd demanded he never contact her again, that he erase her from his life completely.

Yet here she was, shamelessly inserting herself back into his space. Even if it was for his protection, would he ever believe her? Would he think she'd lost her mind?

"Was there something else?" Liam's deep voice broke through her thoughts.

Evelyn shook her head too quickly, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "No, nothing at all."

Liam gestured toward his desk. "Then I should finish these reports."

"Of course." Her lips pressed into a thin line as heat crept up her neck. "I'll...I'll leave you to it. I won't disturb you further."

He gave a curt nod.

Evelyn turned to leave but hesitated at the doorway. "I'd like to stay in the guest room upstairs. With Rosalind."

Liam's gaze softened slightly. "That's fine."

The ghost of a smile touched her lips as she slipped out.

Once in the hallway, Evelyn pressed a hand to her racing heart. Her cheeks burned, and an unfamiliar warmth spread through her chest.

When she'd first developed feelings for Liam, it had been simple nervousness. Butterflies.

Now? Knowing he'd loved her since childhood and still carried that torch? It was like standing too close to a bonfire. Every glance sent flames licking through her veins.

Just seeing him made her pulse erratic. Her entire body thrummed with electricity. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

To realize the man she loved beyond reason returned those feelings...it was overwhelming.

Yet their circumstances made it impossible. She could never confess. Never act on these emotions.

Better to remain silent. Better to let him move on.

Evelyn collapsed onto the living room sofa, picking up a random book. Her eyes kept darting toward the study door.

She pretended to read while keeping watch, though the words blurred before her eyes.

Hours slipped by unnoticed. Rosalind came twice, urging her to rest.

Evelyn refused both times, sending her assistant back to bed.

At precisely 1:17 AM, the study door finally creaked open.

Liam paused mid-step when he spotted her curled on the couch. He approached silently, kneeling before her sleeping form.

His chest tightened at the sight of her peaceful expression. "Cassandra," he whispered.

No response.

Liam reached out, fingers hovering just above her cheek. The moment his skin brushed hers, he froze.

His entire body tensed. Blood roared in his ears as he fought the urge to trace the curve of her jaw.

Even with his rank and reputation, he felt utterly powerless before her. The mask he wore for the world always crumbled in Evelyn's presence.

Swallowing hard, he withdrew his hand.

Instead, he carefully slid one arm beneath her knees, the other supporting her back.

The instant he lifted her, Evelyn's eyes flew open. She clung to him, disoriented.

For one heart-stopping moment, fear flashed across her face—a remnant of her kidnapping ordeal. Then recognition dawned, and she relaxed with a shaky exhale.

"I thought you were asleep," Liam rasped, throat suddenly dry. "I was taking you to your room."

"Oh." Evelyn self-consciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Finished with work? Are you...turning in?"

Liam straightened, hands slipping into his pockets. "Why were you sleeping out here?"

Evelyn sat up, smoothing her wrinkled clothes. "I was keeping watch."

"Watch?" His brow furrowed.

She offered an awkward half-smile. "In case someone tried delivering poisoned supper or something."

The corner of Liam's mouth twitched. "You were guarding me from...midnight snacks?"

Evelyn's cheeks flushed crimson. "It's a valid concern!"