Chapter 407

Victoria Hudson arched a perfectly sculpted brow, crossing her arms as she shot Evelyn a disdainful look. "What exactly is your relationship with Liam? Does she even consider you his girlfriend? Or are you just stringing him along without any commitment?"

Ryan Sullivan quickly intervened, pulling Victoria back with a hushed warning. "Ms. Hudson, please don't make a scene."

Victoria shook off Ryan's hand, her irritation palpable. "I feel sorry for Liam. How dare you play with his feelings like this?"

Evelyn remained silent, her tear-filled eyes locking with Liam's as an unbearable weight settled in her chest.

Did Liam truly agree with everything Victoria said? Was she really that terrible?

Her heart heavy, Evelyn grasped Rosalind's hand and turned away, her voice barely above a whisper. "Rosalind, let's go."

"Of course," Rosalind replied, falling into step beside her.

Just as they moved to leave, Liam stepped forward, blocking Evelyn's path. His intense gaze bore into hers, his voice deceptively soft. "Where do you think you're going?"

Evelyn bit her lower lip, struggling to contain her emotions. She met his gaze with quiet resignation, accusation burning in her eyes.

Yet Liam remained oblivious to her turmoil. "Come back to Blackwood Manor with me," he said firmly. "Bring your friend. It's not safe for you to be wandering around."

Rosalind scoffed. "What danger could there possibly be? Aldenria has excellent security—cameras everywhere, police patrols. There's no need for your concern, Mr. Blackwood."

Liam sighed, shooting Rosalind a look that clearly said 'ignorance is bliss.'

Evelyn, however, knew better. After her identity had been exposed at Obsidian Circle's headquarters, nowhere was truly safe for her.

Finally regaining her composure, Evelyn spoke in an icy tone. "Mr. Blackwood, I appreciate your concern, but I won't be returning to your home."

"I wouldn't want your 'close friend' accusing me of leading you on without commitment," she added, emphasizing the words 'close friend' with bitter clarity.

With that, she took Rosalind's hand and walked past Liam.

Liam felt as if he'd been struck.

Not coming back?

The words cut deeper than any blade.

Had all their shared moments meant nothing? The nights she'd stayed by his side while he recovered, the intimacy they'd shared—had it all been an act?

Was she so eager to leave now that he was healed?

A cold, humorless smile twisted Liam's lips as his chest tightened with barely contained fury. His fists clenched at his sides, nails biting into his palms.

After a moment, he spun on his heel and caught up to Evelyn in three long strides. His hand closed around her arm, pulling her away from Rosalind.

Evelyn stumbled back, her face draining of color as she found herself mere inches from Liam's stormy expression.

The intensity in his dark eyes was terrifying—a turbulent mix of affection, anger, and something far more dangerous. The air around them grew thick, suffocating.

Before Evelyn could steady her racing heart, Liam's commanding voice cut through the tension. "You're coming home with me."

"I don't want to," Evelyn shot back defiantly.

Liam's grip tightened imperceptibly, his gaze turning glacial. "Is it in your nature to be this capricious?" he accused.

Evelyn recoiled as if struck, the words settling like ice in her veins.

First she was accused of toying with his feelings, now she was being called fickle?