Chapter 446

Ryan nodded without hesitation. "Of course."

The moment Evelyn stepped out of the hospital room, an awkward silence descended between Rosalind and Ryan.

Desperate to break the tension, Ryan fumbled for words. "Would you... like some fruit? I could peel you an apple."

Rosalind gave a small nod. "That would be nice."

His hands felt suddenly clumsy as he moved about the room. He scanned the space frantically before realizing the fruit basket sat right in front of him.

When he finally located the knife beside the oranges, his flustered movements drew a soft chuckle from Rosalind.

Three days later, Rosalind had fully recovered. On her discharge day, Ryan arrived to escort them home.

As they settled into Ryan's car, Evelyn turned to him. "Ryan, is Liam currently in Aldenria?"

"He is," Ryan confirmed.

"Is he occupied?" Evelyn pressed.

"Extremely busy," Ryan answered truthfully. He thought to himself, "When has Mr. Blackwood ever not been busy?"

"That's fine. It won't take much of his time anyway."

Curious, Ryan glanced at her. "Ms. Wright, do you need to discuss something with him?"

Evelyn gave instructions calmly. "Ryan, take me to Blackwood Manor first, then bring Rosalind back to Wright Manor."

"Understood."

Rosalind frowned in confusion. "Eve, why are you going to Blackwood Manor?"

Evelyn leaned close, covering her mouth as she whispered conspiratorially, "I'm going to steal something."

Rosalind's eyes widened in shock. "What could you possibly want to steal from him?" she hissed back.

Evelyn only responded with an enigmatic smile, shaking her head slightly to indicate she couldn't reveal her plans yet.

Rosalind studied her friend's expression with growing curiosity. She couldn't fathom what Evelyn would need to take from Liam Blackwood of all people.

Under the cover of night's stillness, a sleek black sedan glided through the gates of Blackwood Manor.

The driver stepped out promptly, opening the rear door with practiced ease. "Mr. Blackwood, we've arrived."

Emerging from his thoughts, Liam closed the documents he'd been reviewing, straightened his suit jacket, and gathered his files before stepping onto the cobblestone path. "You're dismissed for the evening."

The driver bowed slightly. "Goodnight, sir."

Liam pressed his thumb to the biometric scanner, pushing open the heavy oak door. As he entered, the unexpected glow of interior lights immediately put him on alert.

"Why are the lights on? Is Ryan here?" he wondered silently.

Closing the door behind him, Liam's sharp gaze swept across the living area before moving further inside.

A faint clinking sound came from the kitchen. Liam froze, his attention snapping toward the source of the noise.

At that moment, a graceful figure emerged from the kitchen doorway, carrying a tray of delicate china.

When Liam saw her, his heart stuttered before flooding with warmth. He stood rooted to the spot.

Evelyn's radiant smile lit up the room as she approached, her eyes soft with affection. "Liam, you're home. I made your favorite bread pudding. Would you like some?"

The domestic scene before him felt surreal - a beautiful woman waiting with homemade treats at this late hour. It seemed both dreamlike and painfully real.

Setting down the tray, Evelyn moved to take his jacket and files, arranging them neatly on the nearby sofa. When she turned back, her clear eyes met his, her smile like balm to his weary soul.

"Why are you here?" Liam asked, unable to mask his curiosity.

But Evelyn detected something else beneath his words. A flicker of disappointment crossed her features before she took his hand gently, leading him to the dining table.

"Liam, try the pumpkin soup first," she urged. "I made it specially for you."

Liam remained unmoved, repeating his question more firmly. "You still haven't told me why you came."