Chapter 36

Liam studied Evelyn intently, his voice laced with lingering doubt.

"Evelyn, all these events would perfectly align if you've been pretending to have amnesia this entire time."

Evelyn exhaled sharply, her shoulders slumping as she spoke with bitter amusement.

"So you're suggesting I underwent plastic surgery and bonded with Grandma solely to marry you and remain at your side."

"Clearly, wealth and status mean nothing to me because my only goal is stealing classified Aldenria documents. If this amnesia is fake, then I must be some master spy."

"Exactly," Liam confirmed.

A humorless laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "Now that my cover's nearly blown, I'm suddenly desperate for divorce. How conveniently everything fits together."

Silence stretched between them.

Evelyn tilted her face toward the sky, an invisible vise tightening around her chest. Each breath became a struggle against the crushing weight.

She longed to defend herself, but her memory loss rendered her powerless. She couldn't even be certain what parts of her past were real.

Perhaps she had truly been part of Obsidian Circle before the accident. Maybe getting close to Liam had been part of their scheme all along.

The only difference? She'd forgotten the mission mid-execution.

Words felt useless now - they carried no proof, no substance to clear her name.

Evelyn turned on her heel, preparing to leave the garden without another word when Liam's voice stopped her.

"Evelyn, everything's falling into place too easily."

She froze but kept her back to him.

Liam rose, his gaze fixed on her slender frame. "If you were truly Obsidian Circle, I wouldn't have obtained your files so effortlessly."

"Your background, past records, pre-and post-op photos - even your alleged training records with them. It's as if someone handed me everything on a silver platter."

"That's not how Obsidian Circle operates. Something's off here. I'll keep investigating. Don't overthink it."

His explanation eased some tension in Evelyn's chest. Of course her sudden appearance in his life seemed suspicious - she'd question it too in his position.

After a quiet moment, she murmured, "Thank you for not arresting me."

With official matters addressed, Liam shifted topics. "I've sent Victoria back to Wright Manor. About that night I hurt you... Are you still planning to stay at Blackwood?"

Evelyn kept her back turned, grateful he couldn't see her crumbling composure or the tears welling in her eyes.

"No," she whispered.

"Where will you go then?"

"Wherever the road takes me."

A pang of guilt struck Liam. "Just... let me know if you need anything."

Evelyn's fists clenched at her sides, pulse quickening as fresh sorrow washed over her.

Steeling her voice, she continued, "About the divorce-"

"I'll respect your wishes," Liam interrupted.

It was the answer she'd sought. So why did her heart ache so violently?

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she stared stubbornly at the corridor ahead. "Thank you," she managed.

Not trusting herself to speak further, Evelyn hurried away before any sobs could escape.

The path stretched endlessly before her, each step emphasizing how utterly lost she felt.

She had no idea what came next.