Chapter 475

"I can't dictate who she chooses to love, nor can I fathom the workings of her mind."

Liam's voice was laced with frustration as he continued, "Despite knowing my feelings, she deliberately ignores them. She insists on reopening my wounds by claiming I'd be happier with someone else."

He exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. "She's the most infuriating woman I've ever known."

With that, he rose abruptly, his expression icy as he strode toward the door.

Evelyn listened to his outburst, her emotions swirling. A weight lifted from her chest—at least he wasn't with Victoria.

But was she truly as terrible as he made her out to be?

Or was he the one who lacked boundaries?

She turned to watch him leave, then called out, "Mr. Blackwood, where are you going?"

Liam paused, his hand gripping the door handle. After a brief hesitation, he replied, "There's a meeting at the armaments department."

Then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

Evelyn leaned back in her chair, her gaze lingering on the empty doorway. A bittersweet smile touched her lips as she rested a hand on her stomach.

"Baby," she whispered, "it seems your father still belongs to us. Should I tell him about you?"

Her fingers traced gentle circles over her belly. "But if I do, Victoria will find out. And I fear she might be just as ruthless as that imposter, Cassandra. I can't risk her harming us."

A soft kick answered her, and she chuckled, rubbing the spot tenderly. "Be patient, little one. Mummy has to think carefully. For now, we'll wait and see, alright?"

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at headquarters to finalize her employment paperwork, Rosalind trailing protectively behind her.

As they stepped into the lobby, the elevator doors slid open—revealing Victoria.

The woman froze, her face darkening with shock and displeasure.

Evelyn approached calmly, offering a polite smile. "Ms. Hudson, it's been a while."

Victoria inhaled sharply, then smirked. "I never expected you to crawl back here. Half a year gone, and now you return—bold enough to even venture to the border. You truly have no shame."

Rosalind's fists clenched, her expression turning stormy.

Evelyn remained composed, extending her documents. "You misunderstand. I'm not here for Mr. Blackwood. I'm here to begin my career."

"Your career?" Victoria snatched the papers, scanning them with a scoff. "Who do you think you are? You actually believe you're qualified to work here?"

Evelyn tilted her head. "And why wouldn't I be?"

Victoria flung the documents back at her. "You must've used connections. Did Liam pull strings for you?"

Rosalind stepped forward, fury in her eyes. "Evelyn earned this position through her own merit. She's a research engineer in chemistry and an advisor to the armaments department."

Victoria's gaze raked over Evelyn dismissively. "A few years studying abroad, and now you think you're qualified? Pathetic."

Rosalind looked ready to strike, but Evelyn caught her wrist. "Don't," she murmured.

With a reluctant huff, Rosalind backed down.

Evelyn smiled gracefully. "Apologies, Ms. Hudson. We're in a hurry to complete the formalities, so we won't keep you."

She guided Rosalind past Victoria toward the elevator.

As the doors closed, their eyes met one last time—Victoria's burning with fury, Evelyn's calm but unyielding.

The moment the elevator ascended, Rosalind exploded. "Why did you let her talk to you like that? You were too kind!"

Evelyn sighed. "Rosalind, remember what I said? No trouble. Let me live peacefully these next few months."