Chapter 357

Evelyn noticed Liam's dark mood immediately. He was drowning his sorrows in whiskey, glass after glass. Victoria rose from the table with a heavy heart and stepped outside.

As she reached the veranda, Cassandra emerged from inside the manor. Victoria stopped her with a determined look. "We need to talk."

Cassandra waited silently, her expression unreadable. Victoria took a steadying breath before confessing, "I'm in love with Liam."

"I know," Cassandra replied softly, feeling the familiar ache in her chest. Even after all this time, the words still cut deep.

Victoria studied Cassandra carefully. She wasn't conventionally beautiful, but there was an undeniable grace about her - her delicate features, slender frame, gentle demeanor, and that melodic voice.

Beyond her natural charm, she was the heiress to the Wright fortune. Victoria knew no man could resist such a package.

Especially when Liam had loved her since childhood. Their bond had been forged over decades, unshakable and irreplaceable. Victoria understood she could never compete.

"Do you love him?" Victoria pressed.

Cassandra remained silent, her gaze steady.

"Will you return to Solterra eventually?" Victoria asked next.

A quiet hum was Cassandra's only response.

Victoria's shoulders relaxed slightly. "To me, Donovan could never measure up to Liam. There's simply no comparison. I suppose love really is blind."

Cassandra frowned, confused by the sudden mention of Donovan.

"You have everything - the man you love, a country waiting for you, a brilliant career, a whole life elsewhere. You don't belong here with Liam. Please stop giving him false hope," Victoria pleaded, her voice breaking.

Cassandra's hands clenched into fists, tears welling in her eyes.

Victoria stepped closer, her voice firm. "No matter how deeply he loves you, once you're gone, I'll help him move on. Whether it takes one year or fifty, I'll wait as long as it takes to free him from this pain."

At first, Cassandra didn't understand why Liam needed "freeing" from his own feelings. Then it hit her - he'd loved her unconditionally for years without reciprocation.

They'd been legally married once, but she'd never truly been his Wanda.

Blinking back tears, Cassandra whispered, "Ms. Hudson, if you had to choose between your diplomatic career and Liam, what would you pick?"

Victoria answered without hesitation. "Liam. Always Liam."

A sad smile touched Cassandra's lips. She turned away, shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Wiping her tears discreetly, she felt her heart shatter. Victoria's love ran deeper than hers ever had.

Some people risked everything for love. Others sacrificed for science. Both were valid paths, neither superior to the other.

When Cassandra finally composed herself, she turned back. "I wish you both every happiness."

Relief flooded Victoria's features. "Thank you."

"Love him well," Cassandra murmured, the words laced with quiet agony.

"I will. When are you leaving?" Victoria asked eagerly.

Cassandra walked past her, pausing only to say, "I'd like one more month with my grandparents."

Victoria watched her retreating figure, calling after her, "Promise me you'll leave Aldenria after that month. You must keep your word."