Chapter 451

Having faced Victoria's schemes before, Evelyn remained composed. "We were never truly together," she countered smoothly. "How could there be a breakup?"

Victoria's lips curled into a smirk. "Then why are you here to see him?"

Seizing the moment, Evelyn arched a brow. "You once bragged to me that you and Liam had been dating for a month and warned me to stay away. What's your excuse today?"

Victoria's fists clenched, her cheeks flushing crimson, but she said nothing.

"You didn’t see him last night, did you?" Evelyn pressed, unfazed. "You came here today under the pretense of work."

Gritting her teeth, Victoria remained silent.

Shielding her eyes from the glaring sun, Evelyn muttered, "It's too bright." With that, she stepped past Victoria.

Suddenly, Victoria called out, "Cassandra Wright, wait!"

It was the first time Victoria had used her full name instead of "Ms. Wright." Had she finally dropped the act?

Evelyn moved into the shade and turned to face her. "Ms. Hudson, is there something else?"

Taking a deep breath, Victoria approached, her voice dripping with venom. "Cassandra, don’t fool yourself into thinking you're special just because Liam has taken an interest in you. You're from Solterra. You’ll leave eventually."

She leaned in, her words sharp as a blade. "But I? I can be his lifelong companion—his colleague, his confidante. We have a lifetime ahead of us. You and him? That’s temporary."

The words struck deep, a searing pain lancing through Evelyn’s chest. It was a truth she couldn’t deny.

With a triumphant glint in her eyes, Victoria added, "We’re soulmates. Feelings grow with time. One day, he’ll be mine."

Without another word, she turned and strode away, leaving Evelyn standing there, heart heavy.

Watching Victoria’s retreating figure, Evelyn realized just how deeply Victoria loved Liam. With a woman like that by his side, doubt gnawed at her.

She turned and entered the manor. Glancing around, she deduced Liam must still be in his study—Victoria had just left, after all.

Without hesitation, she headed straight for the study. Just as she reached the door, it swung open, and Liam stepped out.

Before he could react, Evelyn threw herself into his arms, pressing close. The warmth of her body, the faint scent of jasmine—it stirred something in him.

Liam froze, his pulse quickening. He dipped his head, catching a glimpse of her face.

Softly, he murmured, "What brings you back?"

Evelyn exhaled, the ache in her chest still lingering. "Liam, I didn’t come to seduce you. I just... wanted to see you."

A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Innocent women don’t usually throw themselves into a man’s arms upon arrival."

Her grip tightened, a hint of irritation in her voice. "Are you saying I’m not innocent?"

Sensing her unease, Liam softened his tone. "You are. It’s me who isn’t. Maybe I just have a magnetic pull on you."

Evelyn couldn’t help but laugh, the tension easing from her shoulders. Slowly, she released him and stepped back.

Liam’s gaze lingered, reluctant to let her go, though his expression remained composed. "So," he said, tilting his head. "What’s the real reason you’re here?"