Chapter 410

The night was deep, but Blackwood Manor remained illuminated like daylight.

In the grand living room, Liam Blackwood sat slumped on the leather sofa. His muscular frame sank into the cushions as one hand covered his tired eyes, shielding them from the harsh light. The other arm draped carelessly over the sofa's back.

His tailored suit jacket lay discarded nearby. The silk tie hung loosely around his neck, its knot undone. The top buttons of his crisp white shirt gaped open, revealing a glimpse of his toned chest.

He didn't move. His powerful body remained frozen in position, the picture of exhaustion in his disheveled state.

An aura of profound loneliness clung to him like a second skin.

The alcohol from tonight's diplomatic banquet was finally taking its toll. The liquor burned through his veins, amplifying his anguish tenfold. He couldn't erase Evelyn's tear-streaked face from his mind - those wounded eyes haunting his every thought.

Had he lost his mind? How could he possibly expect Evelyn to define their relationship under Victoria's cruel pressure?

Friends? Lovers? Was he truly this desperate for validation?

He'd always maintained strict boundaries with women. But this was Cassandra Wright. For her, he'd throw every rule out the window.

If she wanted to play with his heart, flirt shamelessly, even take him to bed - he'd gladly comply if it brought her happiness.

The sudden ringing of his phone shattered the silence.

Liam lowered his hand and straightened. He grabbed the buzzing device from the coffee table, his voice rough with emotion as he answered, "Is she back?"

Ryan Sullivan's tense voice replied, "General Blackwood, Ms. Wright went bar-hopping with her friend. She even danced with some stranger."

Liam bent forward, elbows on knees, face buried in his hands. "Let her enjoy herself. But keep her safe. Bring her home when she's done."

Ryan sounded exasperated. "Sir, I've tried multiple times. Ms. Wright refuses to return to Blackwood Manor. She insists on going back to Wright Estate when she's finished."

Several heartbeats passed before Liam responded, his tone turning steely. "If she won't come willingly, then carry her back by force."

"Yes, General," Ryan acknowledged before ending the call.

Tossing the phone aside, Liam leaned back and closed his burning eyes.

Two hours later, the clock struck 1:30 AM.

The sound of tires crunching gravel jolted Liam awake. He sprang to his feet and strode outside.

Ryan emerged from the driver's seat and opened the rear door. Liam approached, his piercing gaze locking onto the figure slumped in the backseat.

"General, Ms. Wright drank heavily. She's completely intoxicated," Ryan reported.

Liam's jaw tightened. "Did you see her friend home safely?"

"Yes, sir. She's secure."

Without another word, Liam leaned in and gathered Evelyn into his arms.

Her glassy eyes focused hazily on his face. Suddenly her delicate features twisted in anger. Small fists pounded weakly against his chest. "Put me down, Liam, you bastard!" she slurred, struggling weakly. "Don't touch me... Go carry your precious Victoria instead!"

Liam carried her inside with measured steps, heading straight for the staircase.

Evelyn thrashed drunkenly until tears spilled down her flushed cheeks. "Liam..." she sobbed against his shoulder, "I hate you... I'll never... never love you again..."

As Liam entered the bedroom and moved to lay her down, her words struck him like a physical blow. He froze, his entire world tilting on its axis.

His heart plummeted into an endless void - dark, hollow, consuming. The freefall left him gasping, adrift in unbearable emptiness.

A bitter smile twisted his lips as infinite sorrow filled his eyes. "Then who do you love?" he whispered into the darkness.