Chapter 406

Evelyn shook her head, releasing a quiet exhale. "No, you'll receive your payment. Otherwise, you wouldn't last thirty minutes."

Rosalind blinked in surprise. "Is the situation truly that dire?"

Driven by both financial need and admiration for the decorated anti-narcotics officer, Rosalind finally nodded in agreement.

Evelyn carefully explained Donovan's former occupation, the details of his injury, and his current medical condition to Rosalind.

As the sunset painted the horizon in crimson hues, Evelyn and Rosalind exited the restaurant, fingers intertwined.

Their footsteps halted abruptly when they spotted Liam on the main thoroughfare.

Standing before a sleek black sedan were Liam, Victoria, and Ryan.

Liam approached with stormy eyes. "Where's Rosalind Baskins? And where are the bodyguards you were supposed to have?"

Rosalind looked perplexed, unable to comprehend Liam's sudden hostility toward Evelyn. Evelyn tilted her face toward the darkening sky - clearly, Liam's diplomatic banquet had concluded early.

Her gaze traveled from Liam to Victoria, and an uncomfortable chill ran down her spine.

Instead of answering directly, Evelyn countered, "How did you know I'd be here?"

Hands buried in his pockets, Liam responded frostily, "You're practically a celebrity now. Did you truly think your movements wouldn't be noticed?"

Evelyn fell silent.

Though she understood Liam's protective instincts, seeing Victoria standing so close to him ignited something ugly in her chest.

Sensing the mounting tension, Rosalind attempted to mediate. "Actually—" she began.

Victoria cut her off, stepping forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Liam.

"You've been ignoring Liam's calls all afternoon before shutting off your phone completely," Victoria accused. "Do you have any idea how worried he's been?"

"Because of your childish behavior, he couldn't focus during the entire state dinner. For someone claiming to be an adult, you're remarkably irresponsible."

Evelyn stared at Victoria, momentarily speechless at her audacity.

Who did Victoria think she was? What gave her the right to lecture Evelyn about her relationship?

Evelyn refused to dignify Victoria's interference with a direct response. Instead, she turned to Liam, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of confusion and hurt.

Did Liam share Victoria's opinion? Did he too think her immature? She searched his face for answers, but he remained frustratingly silent.

With a bitter smile, Evelyn finally addressed Victoria. "I texted Liam that my battery died."

Victoria's expression darkened. "That's a lie. Your phone's been fully charged this entire time."

Evelyn's hands clenched into fists at her sides as she continued staring at Liam. The betrayal stung more than she cared to admit.

She didn't give a damn about Victoria's opinions. She only needed to understand why Liam seemed to endollarse this public humiliation.

Rosalind noticed the subtle tremor in Evelyn's fingers. The anguish radiating from her friend was palpable.

Rounding on Victoria, Rosalind snapped, "Who appointed you relationship counselor? This is between the two of them."

Victoria's face twisted in outrage, her eyes flashing dangerously at Rosalind's interference.

Rosalind merely scoffed. "What? Did I strike a nerve? Or was I mistaken?"