Chapter 415

Ryan's sudden cough shattered the intimate moment.

Evelyn immediately pulled away from Liam's embrace, her cheeks flushing as she lowered her gaze.

Liam's eyes remained tender as he reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with deliberate gentleness.

Ryan tactfully averted his gaze. "General Blackwood, Rosalind is here to see Ms. Wright."

Evelyn brightened instantly. "Rosalind? Where is she?"

Moments later, Rosalind entered, offering a respectful nod. "Mr. Blackwood. Evelyn."

Evelyn rushed forward, clasping Rosalind's hands eagerly. "What brings you here?"

Rosalind's expression was unusually solemn as she addressed Liam. "Sir, I need to take Evelyn out for a while."

"Take Ryan with you," Liam insisted, noting the gravity in her tone.

Rosalind glanced at Evelyn, silently seeking her approval.

Sensing her hesitation, Evelyn turned to Liam. "Liam, we'll be fine. Rosalind can protect me."

Liam knew arguing was futile. He respected her independence too much to force the issue.

"Alright," he conceded, though concern lingered in his voice. "Be careful."

Evelyn nodded. "I will."

Rosalind assured him, "She'll be safe with me."

With that, Evelyn led Rosalind out of the room.

Ryan hesitated. "Should I follow them discreetly, sir?"

Liam sank onto the sofa, opening his laptop. "No. Let her handle her affairs."

Ryan marveled at the depth of Liam's devotion—something he'd never witnessed before.

Outside, Evelyn slid into the passenger seat of Rosalind's car.

As the vehicle merged into traffic, Evelyn broke the silence. "How are things in Solterra?"

Rosalind's grip tightened on the wheel. "Not well. The institute and government are pushing back. They want you back immediately."

Evelyn exhaled sharply, leaning back.

Rosalind continued, "They've sent someone to persuade you."

Evelyn's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "It won't work. My decision is final."

Rosalind hesitated. "It's Nathaniel Winslow."

Evelyn froze, her pulse quickening.

Rosalind confirmed with a grim nod. "Solterra isn't letting you go without a fight."

"I know," Evelyn muttered, closing her eyes. "Where are we going?"

"To see the imposter. She's been sentenced to life imprisonment."

Evelyn's eyes snapped open. "Life? She murdered someone and was a Valterian spy. That's all?"

Rosalind sighed. "Aldenria abolished the death penalty."

Evelyn's jaw clenched. "Can I see her?"

"Already arranged."

Thirty minutes later, they faced each other through thick glass in the prison's visitation room.

The woman on the other side was a shadow of her former self—pale, haggard, yet her smirk remained icy.

Evelyn lifted the receiver.

After a prolonged silence, the woman followed suit.

"Who should I address you as?" Evelyn asked coolly. "Genevieve or Victoria?"

The woman's lips curled. "I'm Genevieve Prescott."

The name confirmed her Valterian allegiance.

"Genevieve, your organization has discarded you."

Genevieve shrugged. "I failed. Even if they wanted to rescue me, they couldn't. Not that I care."