Chapter 356

Victoria Hudson's hands shook with barely contained fury. Her nails dug into her palms as she hissed, "I was talking about your affection, not Cassandra."

"Cassandra is my affection," Liam Blackwood replied smoothly, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.

A storm of emotions crossed Evelyn Carter's face. She stared at her intertwined fingers, feeling both cherished and devastated simultaneously.

Victoria let out a bitter laugh. "Tell me, Liam, are you still the same man I knew all those years ago?"

Liam lifted his whiskey tumbler, clinking it gently against Victoria's in silent apology for disappointing her.

After taking a measured sip, Victoria arched an eyebrow. "Even if you love her, that doesn't guarantee she returns your feelings."

"Then there's nothing more to discuss," Liam said, his voice laced with quiet resignation.

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably. "Excuse me," she murmured, rising abruptly. "I need to freshen up."

Liam's gaze followed Evelyn's retreating form with unmistakable tenderness.

Benjamin Hudson chuckled darkly. "Well, this certainly isn't the drinking game I expected. More like your dramatic confession hour. Your courting tactics grow bolder by the day - even fabricating such elaborate lies."

Liam's expression turned grave. "Since childhood, I've only ever wanted to become a doctor."

The abrupt declaration left all three listeners stunned. Liam exhaled sharply, tilting his head back to study the starless sky before draining his glass.

"Donovan dreamed of military glory," Liam continued quietly. "He believed higher rank meant greater responsibility - more ways to serve our nation and its people. His ideals were always... noble."

Rosalind Baskins paused mid-bite, grilled meat forgotten as she studied Liam's profile.

"If both your dreams were equally honorable," Victoria pressed, "why become Donovan's idealized soldier instead of pursuing medicine?"

Liam's shoulders slumped slightly. "Cassandra has idolized Donovan since we were children. He's likely her personal hero."

Rosalind nearly choked on her food. The idea that the ever-confident General Blackwood had spent his life molding himself into someone Cassandra might admire was staggering.

Victoria turned away, discreetly wiping at her eyes. The painful truth settled over her - no matter what she did, she could never compete with Cassandra Wright.

Benjamin sighed, lifting his glass. "A toast then, Liam. To you."

After refilling their drinks, Liam clinked his tumbler against Benjamin's.

"You improve yourself when inspired by someone exceptional," Benjamin declared. "Half your achievements exist because of Cassandra. To your devotion and her brilliance."

"Cheers," Liam murmured. "To her flourishing career."

Benjamin blinked. "Whose career?"

"Cassandra's remarkable career," Liam clarified with a wry smile, downing his whiskey in one swallow.

As Benjamin set down his empty glass, he frowned. "She refuses to inherit the Wright fortune and plans to return to Solterra. What career could she possibly have there?"

Liam refilled Benjamin's drink. "Let's not discuss that. Change of subject."

Rosalind stared at Liam with dawning horror. Had he discovered Evelyn's true identity? "General Blackwood," she ventured nervously, "are you drunk?"

Liam ignored her, continuing his quiet drinking session with Benjamin, their conversation drifting to safer topics.