Chapter 393

Liam reclined in his chair, exhaustion lining his features. "You're swamped with work. No need to visit daily," he murmured. "A few days' rest is all I require."

Victoria Hudson offered a polite smile. "Very well. Get your rest then."

Evelyn remained silent by the window.

As Victoria reached for the door handle, their gazes locked in an unspoken duel. The air thickened with tension until the door clicked shut behind her.

Only then did Evelyn exhale. She speared a roasted potato and meatball with her fork, extending it toward Liam.

He turned his face away, shadows crossing his expression. "No need for pretenses now that she's gone."

Evelyn's hand froze mid-air. "Liam, I—"

This wasn't an act. She genuinely cared for his wellbeing. Though admittedly, provoking Victoria had been an irresistible bonus.

Liam took the fork himself and began eating mechanically. "I don't mind being your pawn," he said quietly.

"Pawn for what?"

"To unsettle her."

His words struck like a physical blow.

"You should leave," Liam continued. "Don't torture yourself with forced gestures. It's pointless."

Evelyn's chest tightened. "Why do you assume that's my only motive?"

Liam pushed his plate away, appetite gone. "Whatever history you two share, I won't speculate."

The silence between them grew leaden.

As Evelyn moved toward the exit, Liam's voice stopped her. "Don't give me false hope, Cassandra."

"I've petitioned the State Department for repatriation to Aldenria. The process is grueling, but I'm making progress. Just... give me time."

"Nobody can intervene," Evelyn said, worry creasing her brow. "Unless Solterra shows mercy, I'll remain branded as a defector—an international fugitive forever."

Their eyes met across the quiet room, speaking volumes without words.

After a prolonged silence, Liam ventured, "If you could return... would we still—"

Be friends?

The unfinished question hung between them.

Evelyn's lips curved in a shy smile. "We could still be husband and wife."

With that, she slipped through the door.

Liam sat motionless, heart pounding. The unexpected declaration left him breathless with hope.