Chapter 389

"There's something I need to clarify with you," Liam murmured. His breathing grew uneven as he spoke the words against her shoulder.

"What is it?" Evelyn asked.

"Victoria and I... we're not together."

Evelyn froze. Her mind went completely blank for a moment before a whirlwind of emotions crashed over her. Relief, joy, confusion, anger - they all battled for dominance in her racing heart.

She could still feel Victoria's venomous glare from earlier. The woman's underhanded tactics left a bitter taste in Evelyn's mouth.

As her emotions settled slightly, Evelyn tightened her arms around Liam's waist. "Liam... Victoria told me you two were dating."

That was precisely why Liam felt compelled to explain. Regardless of Evelyn's feelings for him, he refused to let misunderstandings dictate their relationship.

As long as Evelyn remained unmarried and he stayed single, hope still flickered between them.

"Yes, Victoria mentioned that to me too," Liam admitted.

A cold dread settled in Evelyn's chest. If Liam hadn't clarified, she would have carried this misunderstanding forever.

With the truth revealed, Victoria's actions would simply be seen as defending a friend. She had manipulated the situation masterfully, ensuring Liam couldn't blame her. Evelyn realized with dismay that such cunning women still existed in this world.

She suddenly felt utterly outmatched against Victoria's schemes.

"Liam," Evelyn whispered, her breath brushing his ear, "did you chase after me just to tell me this?"

"Yes," he admitted simply.

A faint smile touched Evelyn's lips. "Victoria probably didn't anticipate this."

"Anticipate what?" Liam asked, pulling back slightly.

"She didn't expect that you'd..." Evelyn paused deliberately, then continued slowly, "She didn't expect you to clarify this with me."

Liam straightened, putting some distance between them. His intense gaze studied Evelyn's flushed cheeks and emotional eyes. "I know you don't care," he said quietly.

"I do care. Very much." The words nearly tumbled out, but Evelyn caught herself at the last moment.

No, this wasn't the right time for confessions. She needed to resign from Solterra Research Institute first, to terminate their professional contract.

Only after regaining her Aldenrian citizenship would she have the confidence to speak her heart.

If Solterra refused to release her and she couldn't return to work in Aldenria, giving Liam false hope would only lead to greater disappointment later.

The pain would be unbearable. She couldn't bear to hurt him like that again.

Noticing Evelyn's distant expression, Liam turned slowly and moved toward the bed, his steps weak and unsteady.

Evelyn snapped from her thoughts and rushed to support his arm.

Liam glanced at her hand, then met her gaze.

"Let me help you," Evelyn said with a sweet smile.

Liam remained silent but allowed her to guide him to the bed.

She helped him lie down, tucked the blanket around him, then pulled a chair close to sit beside him.

Leaning forward with her elbows on the bed and chin resting on her hands, she gazed at him with gentle affection.

Liam frowned slightly. "Aren't you leaving?"

Evelyn blinked innocently, her mind already strategizing how to counter Victoria's moves. Ignoring his question, she asked softly, "Liam, who's been taking care of you?"

"Oliver handles meals," Liam replied, closing his eyes. "The maid cleans and makes tea."

"What about wound care? Bathing? Getting dressed?" Evelyn pressed. "Who helps you with those?"

"I'm weak, not disabled," Liam grumbled.

Summoning her courage, Evelyn spoke in a shy whisper, "I'm not busy anyway. I'll stay and take care of you."

Liam's eyes flew open. A faint blush colored his pale cheeks.