Chapter 47

Dominic's face drained of color, his fear palpable. He clenched his jaw, glaring at Evelyn with barely contained rage before shrinking back instinctively.

"You think you're so clever, Evelyn! Just wait—I'll make you pay for this!" he spat out before turning on his heel and scurrying away like a frightened rat.

Evelyn tucked her phone away with a dismissive scoff. His empty threats meant nothing to her.

A short distance from the flower stall, a tall, commanding figure stood out effortlessly among the crowd. His presence alone demanded attention—sharp features, an aura of authority, and an effortless magnetism that made him impossible to ignore.

Ryan, standing beside him, murmured under his breath, "Mr. Blackwood, it appears Mrs. Blackwood has her own way of handling things."

Liam didn’t respond. Instead, he strode toward the stall with purposeful steps, Ryan following closely behind.

Evelyn had just settled back onto her stool, scissors in hand, ready to trim the next batch of roses when a pair of polished dress shoes came into view.

Assuming it was another customer, she rose with a practiced smile. "Hello, how can I—"

Her words died in her throat as her gaze traveled up to meet Liam’s piercing eyes. Her pulse spiked, erratic and uncontrollable.

What was he doing here on Varia Avenue?

Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of military vehicles—was he here on official business?

Liam found her startled expression oddly endearing. His voice remained cool as he asked, "What’s the most beautiful flower you have?"

Evelyn blinked, snapping back to reality. She set the roses down, forcing professionalism into her tone. "Are these for a special woman? Or perhaps an elder?"

Liam didn’t hesitate. "For a woman."

A sharp pang of jealousy twisted inside her. She hadn’t realized her smile had faltered until it was too late.

There were countless florists in the city. Why come all the way here—unless it was deliberate?

She grabbed a bouquet of white zinnias and thrust them toward him. "These would suit your needs."

Liam accepted them without comment.

Even as his wife, Evelyn had no intention of giving him special treatment. "That’ll be twenty dollars," she stated flatly.

He handed her the exact amount without hesitation.

"Thank you," she said stiffly, nodding.

The distance between them felt wider than that of strangers.

Liam didn’t move after the transaction. Evelyn frowned. "Was there something else?"

His gaze swept over the crowded street, noting the curious onlookers. "We need to talk."

"Here?" she asked.

"Pack up. Close the stall."

His tone left no room for argument.

Evelyn hesitated. "But I haven’t sold all the flowers yet. They won’t stay fresh overnight."

Liam slid his hands into his pockets, adopting a more relaxed stance. "I’ll buy them all."

The sheer absurdity of his words nearly made her laugh. She bit back a smirk, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Are you trying to imitate those overbearing CEOs from romance dramas?" she teased, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.

Liam’s expression darkened instantly, his intimidating aura enough to make anyone else cower.

Realizing she’d pushed too far, Evelyn quickly schooled her features into neutrality.

"I only sell flowers to people who actually need them," she said firmly. "There’s no reason for you to waste money just to have a conversation."

Liam turned to Ryan. "Stay here and sell the rest for her."

"Yes, sir," Ryan replied dutifully.

Evelyn stared, stunned.

Liam fixed her with a serious look. "Will you come with me now?"

The gravity in his voice made her uneasy. Whatever he wanted to discuss must be important.

Liam was always unreadable, his stoic expression enough to unsettle anyone.

"Fine," she relented.

After gathering her things and giving Ryan a quick rundown of prices, she followed Liam.

With Margaret’s birthday celebration over, it was time to address the elephant in the room—their loveless marriage.

Liam wouldn’t seek her out personally unless it was about one thing: their divorce.