Chapter 442

Evelyn gently pried Liam's hand from her mouth, her whisper barely audible. "Liam, my grandparents...they've been taken."

Liam's jaw tightened. "Adrian has served under me for years. He's trained in counter-surveillance and combat."

Confusion flickered across Evelyn's face. "What are you saying?"

"Your grandparents aren't at Wright Manor anymore. They've been moved to a secure location."

Evelyn's stomach dropped like a stone. First her parents, now her grandparents. Julian Whitmore deserved every ounce of her hatred.

"What about the others?" she pressed.

Liam's voice held steady confidence. "Patience. Just a few more minutes."

She trusted him implicitly. Evelyn lowered her guard and waited in silence.

The scent of Liam's cologne enveloped her - sandalwood with a hint of spice. His warm breath caressed her cheek as he stood mere inches away. The sheer power radiating from him made her pulse quicken.

"Liam," she whispered nervously, "could you...step back please?"

After a beat of hesitation, he released her. In the darkness, neither could read the other's expression, creating an awkward tension.

Evelyn moved past him, finding the edge of the bed and sinking onto the mattress.

"Are you taking Donovan to Solterra?" Liam's deep voice rumbled through the room.

She nodded before remembering he couldn't see. "Yes. For his treatment."

Silence stretched between them.

Sensing his disapproval, she added, "Richard and Eleanor have approved it."

Still, Liam said nothing.

Evelyn's voice hardened with resolve. "I won't abandon Donovan while there's still hope."

Liam responded with a cold hum. The door creaked as he opened it abruptly and stepped out. Evelyn jumped to her feet. "Liam?"

Suddenly, light flooded the room.

She caught a glimpse of Liam's broad back as he descended the stairs with purpose. Rushing to the railing, she gripped it tightly and looked down.

The scene below stole her breath.

Dozens of soldiers from the military base stood in perfect formation, weapons trained on a group of bound criminals in the center. Among them, Adrian Castillo was restrained and thrown in with the others.

Evelyn scanned the room frantically, but Julian was nowhere to be seen. Dread coiled in her stomach. She rushed to the adjacent room and threw open the door.

Rosalind lay motionless on the bed.

Panic surged through Evelyn as she hurried to Rosalind's side, shaking her shoulder gently. "Rosalind? Wake up. Liam's here to rescue us."

Rosalind's pale face showed no response.

Evelyn pressed a hand to Rosalind's forehead - cold as marble. "Rosalind! Please wake up! Don't do this to me!"

Still nothing.

Evelyn's hands trembled violently. Her breath came in shallow gasps as her entire body went weak.

She bolted from the room and leaned over the railing, voice shaking. "Liam! Something's wrong with Rosalind! Help her, please!"

Liam turned, his gaze locking onto Evelyn's terrified expression. Without a word, he took the stairs two at a time, Ryan Sullivan close behind.

When Liam saw Rosalind, his expression darkened. He pressed two fingers to her carotid artery, searching for a pulse.