Chapter 443

"Ryan, get her to the hospital now," Liam commanded sharply.

Without missing a beat, Ryan scooped up Rosalind and sprinted toward the exit. Evelyn followed closely behind.

Her footsteps hesitated at the threshold. Turning back to Liam, her voice trembled with urgency. "Donovan and the others are still trapped in the other rooms. You must save them."

Liam's eyes darkened as he gave a curt nod, a sharp pain twisting in his chest.

Having delivered her message, Evelyn could think of nothing else as she raced after Ryan's retreating figure.

Liam stepped out onto the balcony. Leaning against the railing, he surveyed the scene below with icy detachment. Criminals sat bound in the center of the grand hall, while forensic experts combed through adjacent rooms for explosives.

Descending the staircase, Liam spotted Rosalind Fairchild wheeling Donovan out. His gaze lingered on his brother's pale face.

"Donovan," Liam greeted as he approached.

Donovan remained composed. "You arrived faster than expected. Your efficiency never ceases to impress."

"Cassandra's signal reached us just in time," Liam replied, motioning for Rosalind to step aside. She complied without protest.

Taking control of the wheelchair, Liam pushed his brother toward the exit. As they moved, Donovan asked, "Where's Cassandra?"

A wry smile touched Liam's lips, an unexpected pang of jealousy surfacing. "You two really do care for each other."

Donovan fell silent, the barbed comment hitting its mark.

Noting his brother's reaction, Liam continued, "Rosalind's injured. Cassandra accompanied her to the hospital."

"Who's Rosalind?" Donovan inquired.

"One of Cassandra's subordinates," Liam clarified.

"I see."

"Will you go to Solterra for treatment with her?"

"I'd rather not, but she insists."

"Go. Never surrender while there's still hope."

Donovan nodded. "Alright."

The waiting car's engine hummed softly in the rain.

Liam helped his brother into the backseat before stowing the wheelchair in the trunk. Rosalind climbed in after them, shutting the door firmly.

The vehicle pulled away, disappearing into the stormy night as rain continued its relentless assault.

Liam stood beneath the portico, listening to the downpour. Each raindrop seemed to echo the heaviness in his heart.

He recalled his conversation with Evelyn.

"Is there someone you love?" he had asked.

Her reply still haunted him. "Yes, but his heart belongs to another. There's no future for us."

How foolish he'd been to suspect Julian. Now the pieces fell into place - Evelyn's unrequited love was for his own brother, Donovan. The realization cut deeper than any blade.

Shaking off the painful thoughts, Liam reentered the mansion.

A stranger awaited him in the foyer.

Approaching with a respectful nod, the man introduced himself. "Mr. Blackwood, I'm Nathaniel Winslow, Cassandra's senior researcher."

Liam acknowledged him with a terse nod before proceeding to the grand hall, his mood darker than the storm outside.

Adrian Castillo sat bound at the center, his expression defiant despite his predicament.

Liam knelt before the traitor, his gaze piercing. "Where's Julian? And where are Cassandra's grandparents?"

Adrian met his gaze with a bitter smile, determination burning in his eyes.

Through clenched teeth, he spat, "Mr. Blackwood, I've already betrayed you. What reason would I have to reveal their whereabouts now?"