Chapter 467

The truth was, Evelyn's pregnancy had already passed the five-month mark. Yet due to her age, her belly remained barely noticeable.

During the first trimester, she had suffered from relentless morning sickness. The constant nausea had robbed her of nutrients, leaving her frail and exhausted.

Rosalind grabbed Evelyn's luggage and linked arms with her, stepping out of the airport with a cheerful bounce in her step.

Outside, Rosalind effortlessly lifted the bags into the trunk of the car.

Evelyn tilted her head, her eyes drawn to the northern sky where snowflakes drifted lazily downward. A sudden pang of longing struck her—she missed Margaret terribly.

After securing the luggage, Rosalind turned to Evelyn. "Let's get in the car, Evelyn."

Snapped from her thoughts, Evelyn finally climbed inside.

Rosalind started the engine and pulled away. "Evelyn, I rented a cozy cottage in the suburbs. Quiet, peaceful, perfect for you."

Evelyn's mood shifted. Softly, she murmured, "Rosalind, I want to see Grandma first."

"Of course," Rosalind replied, smoothly changing direction at the next intersection.

Evelyn lowered her head, her hand resting gently on her belly. Sweetheart, Mommy's taking you to meet your great-grandmother.

"By the way," Evelyn asked, her voice tinged with emotion, "how is Liam?"

Rosalind's expression darkened. "Ryan told me Liam went to the borderlands after you left. He hasn't returned."

"Six months... Hasn't he visited his family?"

"Ryan said even before marrying you, Liam rarely came back to Aldenria."

Evelyn's heart warmed at the thought. Liam's frequent visits after their marriage must have been for her sake.

A small smile touched her lips. "You and Ryan seem close."

Rosalind blushed, her voice dropping to a whisper. "We're just good friends."

Evelyn teased lightly, "Then could you ask your good friend if Liam is doing alright?"

Rosalind's face soured. "Evelyn, men aren't worth sacrificing your career for."

"I didn't give up my career for anyone," Evelyn corrected firmly. "I chose to return home to contribute to scientific research." Her gaze sharpened with suspicion.

"You seem to have strong opinions about Liam. Why?"

Rosalind hesitated, biting her lip.

A cold dread crept into Evelyn's chest. "Did he... remarry?"

Keeping her eyes on the road, Rosalind answered quickly, "Not yet. But he's with Victoria now."

The words struck Evelyn like lightning. Pain lanced through her, sharp and suffocating.

She forced a smile, though her voice trembled. "Liam and Victoria are just friends."

Rosalind scoffed. "Do men and women even have real friendships these days?"

Evelyn couldn't argue. Her chest ached.

She rolled down the window, letting icy air rush in. "It's stuffy. Do you mind?"

Rosalind shot her a worried glance. "Evelyn, don't be upset."

Evelyn's smile was bitter. Inside, her heart was breaking, but she kept her composure.

"I'm fine. We were never married, never even officially together. Liam has every right to choose someone more... compatible."

Rosalind continued, "According to Ryan, Victoria left the Foreign Ministry. She took a demotion to work as Liam's military assistant—basically replacing Adrian's old position."

"After spending so much time together, feelings were bound to develop."

"Rumors at the base say Victoria will be the next general's wife. Even Ryan thinks she's perfect for Liam."

"He praised her gentleness, intelligence, confidence, competence... It's clear he admires her."

"And Liam—"

"Stop." Evelyn cut her off sharply. "Please, no more about him."