Chapter 381

The helicopter blades whirred as Evelyn kept vigil beside Liam's unconscious form. His shoulder wound bled through the makeshift bandage, staining her trembling fingers crimson.

They couldn't risk the open sea back to Aldenria. Not with Liam bleeding out. The pilot set course for the nearest coastal hospital in Valtoria.

Evelyn pressed two fingers to Liam's neck. The weak pulse beneath her fingertips sent relief flooding through her veins. Alive. Still alive.

The moment they touched down, Evelyn flagged down a passing medic. Within minutes, Liam was rushed into surgery while she paced the sterile hallway, counting each agonizing second.

Five hours. The longest five hours of her life.

When the surgeon finally emerged, Evelyn's knees nearly buckled. "Doctor—is he—"

"Your husband will recover," the doctor said, removing his mask. "The bullet missed major arteries. He's lost considerable blood but should regain consciousness soon."

Husband. The word sent an unexpected warmth through Evelyn's chest. She didn't correct him.

In the recovery room, Evelyn traced the lines of Liam's face—the stubborn set of his jaw even in sleep, the dark lashes fanning across pale cheeks. The steady beep of the heart monitor became her lifeline.

A sharp knock shattered the silence.

Ryan Sullivan burst in, military boots scuffing the linoleum. "General Blackwood! Status report!"

Evelyn barely had time to respond before Victoria Hudson swept past Ryan in a cloud of expensive perfume. The sight of Liam's childhood friend sent ice through Evelyn's veins.

"Liam darling," Victoria cooed, claiming the bedside chair Evelyn had just vacated. Her manicured fingers brushed his bandaged shoulder. "Who did this to you?"

Evelyn's hands clenched into fists. "Don't touch his wound."

Victoria's lips curled. "I have every right—"

"The doctor said no disturbances." Evelyn stepped between them, her voice steel wrapped in velvet. "You can see him when he wakes."

Ryan cleared his throat. "The foreign minister's sending a private jet. We'll transfer him to Aldenria Military Hospital at dawn."

Victoria's eyes flashed. "I'm coming."

Evelyn said nothing, turning back to watch the rise and fall of Liam's chest. Let Victoria scheme. The only thing that mattered now was the man fighting his way back to her.

And when he woke, they'd have much to discuss about Julian Whitmore's betrayal.