Chapter 424

Evelyn smiled softly as she gently removed Liam's hand from her arm. She didn't want to cause any trouble for Eleanor. "Liam, stay with your mother to celebrate her birthday. I don't belong here with your family."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I should leave since Isabella clearly doesn't want me here."

Liam's expression darkened with anger. He opened his mouth to protest, but Evelyn cut him off. Her tone turned firm. "Just listen to me this once, okay?"

With a polite nod to the gathered guests, Evelyn turned and walked away.

Everyone knew Isabella's temperament. Though they thought her behavior was unreasonable, no one dared to stop Evelyn's departure or challenge Isabella.

Evelyn stepped out of the Blackwood estate carrying her purse. The fading sunlight painted the sky in warm hues of orange and pink. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of roses from the garden.

Her footsteps slowed as she approached the wrought iron gates. A heavy sadness settled in her chest. No matter how hard she tried, she could never truly fit into this world.

The sound of rapid footsteps echoed behind her. Before she could turn completely, Liam was already at her side, his fingers intertwining with hers. The sudden warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her.

Tears pricked at Evelyn's eyes. "Liam, why did you follow me?"

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let's go home. I'll make you that pasta dish you love."

"But today's Eleanor's birthday," Evelyn protested. "Shouldn't you be with her?"

Liam kept walking, their joined hands swinging slightly between them. "I already wished her happy birthday and gave her my gift. Birthdays come every year - missing one won't hurt."

"Won't she be upset?"

"She'll understand."

Evelyn smiled but didn't press further. They walked in comfortable silence as twilight descended around them. Though their steps were measured, emotions churned beneath the surface. Having left earlier than planned, Ryan hadn't arrived with the car yet.

This was the first time Liam had held her hand so openly in public. They strolled down the tree-lined avenue like any ordinary couple. The towering sycamores cast long shadows as streetlights flickered to life.

Evelyn kept her eyes on the cobblestones, counting the cracks between them. Liam's hand was warm and steady around hers.

"Cassandra," Liam murmured.

She looked up. "Yes?"

His gaze remained fixed ahead, his voice thick with exhaustion. "Stay. Please."

Evelyn studied his profile - the strong jawline, the faint shadows beneath his eyes.

"As long as you're in Aldenria, I can keep you safe," he continued earnestly. "You could continue your research, even in weapons development. Whatever path you choose, I'll support you completely."

She understood the unspoken promise. Within Aldenria's borders, no one could touch her - not Solterra's government, not the international courts. She'd be protected from all consequences.

But the weight of betrayal sat heavy in her chest. The research institute had funded her education, given her opportunities most scientists only dreamed of. She couldn't abandon them, not even for love.

"I'm sorry, Liam." Her voice cracked. "I want to stay. I've tried everything - negotiations, buyouts, legal appeals. The institute won't release me from my contract."

"So you have to go?" His grip tightened almost painfully, mirroring the tension in his voice.

Evelyn felt the pressure of his fingers. She lowered her gaze to their joined hands as they continued walking through the gathering darkness.