Chapter 349

Liam's smile was laced with bitterness. His usual confident demeanor had crumbled into something fragile.

Evelyn noticed the shift in his mood, and her heart ached. But reality was a cruel mistress. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "Liam, I'm going back to Solterra after I explain everything to my grandparents at Wright Manor."

A storm of emotions darkened Liam's expression. For a long moment, he couldn’t speak. He just stared at her, his gaze heavy with unspoken words. Evelyn couldn’t bear it—she lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes.

"I'm renouncing the Wright inheritance," she continued softly. "All I want is for my grandparents to live long, happy lives. Whether their fortune goes to the state or someone else, I won’t be returning to Aldenria."

"Will you at least look for your parents?" Liam asked, his voice rough.

"I will. If they're still alive, they're probably in Solterra."

Liam had no reason left to keep her. His chest burned as if pierced by a blade. Tears threatened to spill, but he tilted his head back, staring at the star-speckled ceiling to hold them at bay.

Evelyn kept her gaze down, helpless. The distant hum of the emptying party filled the silence between them.

Most guests had already left. Only a few waiters remained, clearing the remnants of the evening. Rosalind had slipped away earlier, but she lingered in the shadows, watching them with sorrow. She wished she could do something—anything—to ease their pain.

Liam exhaled heavily. "Cassandra," he murmured, using the name only he knew her by. "Can we stay in touch? Not for work. Just… so I know you're okay."

Evelyn pressed her hands to her face and shook her head. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to. But the rules of her country forbade it.

As a researcher with access to classified state secrets, private contact with foreign military officials was strictly prohibited.

"I’ll wait another five years," Liam said, his voice breaking. "Just… reach out to me then. Even once."

Tears spilled down Evelyn’s cheeks. She looked at him, stunned. Why would he wait another five years? Had he uncovered something about her past?

He’d already waited ten years for her. And gotten nothing in return.

She wanted to ask, but the words lodged in her throat. If she spoke, she’d shatter completely.

Liam swallowed his own pain, forcing steadiness into his voice. "I know who you are now. I understand. And I respect it. I won’t stand in your way."

Evelyn’s tears stopped. She stared at him, breathless.

He didn’t want her to see his own tears. Instead, he pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her shoulder. He inhaled the familiar scent of her hair, letting his own silent tears fall.

"You’ll always be my Cassandra," he whispered. "Even if the world knows you as Evelyn now."