Chapter 483

"Liam, say something," Victoria Hudson demanded, her fingers tapping impatiently against the mahogany table.

Liam Blackwood blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He lowered his head, drawing a deep breath that did little to ease the tightness in his chest.

Victoria's voice softened unexpectedly. "I promised not to meddle in your personal life anymore," she said, leaning forward. "But we're more than just colleagues."

Her fingers stilled. "We've been friends since the academy. I can't just watch you drown without throwing you a lifeline."

Ryan Sullivan frowned, glancing between them. "Ms. Hudson, what does Cassandra's pregnancy have to do with General Blackwood?"

Victoria's lips pressed into a thin line. "Given the timeline, that child can't possibly be Liam's. Yet she's dragging him into this mess." Her eyes flashed. "She's clearly playing some game."

Ryan's coffee cup clattered against its saucer. "You think Ms. Wright is trying to pin paternity on the General?"

Victoria shoved her chair back and planted both hands on the table. "For God's sake, Liam! Speak!"

The general stood abruptly, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he strode toward the door.

Both Victoria and Ryan scrambled after him, expecting him to head toward Cassandra's quarters. Instead, he turned sharply into his private office and locked the door behind him with an audible click.

The military base buzzed with the news. Like wildfire through dry brush, whispers of Cassandra Wright's pregnancy spread through every corridor and mess hall.

Speculation ran rampant. Some swore the child was Liam's. Others pointed out Cassandra's six-month disappearance made the timeline impossible, suggesting darker possibilities.

By the time the gossip reached civilian circles, the story had grown elaborate embellishments. Within two weeks, outsiders discussed it as established fact, despite the deafening silence from those actually involved.

Liam maintained his routine with military precision, though those who knew him noticed the new shadows beneath his eyes.

Victoria watched his behavior like a hawk. Each day that passed without contact between Liam and Cassandra confirmed her suspicions.

A smug satisfaction began to replace her initial concern. She even found herself humming as she issued orders for Cassandra's superiors to provide "special accommodations."

As evening fell, an unseasonable chill settled over the base. Inside his quarters, Liam's muscles burned through his three-hundredth push-up. Sweat glistened on his bare torso as he transitioned into squats.

The knock came just as his thighs began trembling from exertion. He grabbed a towel, wiping his face before crossing to the door.

Cold air rushed in as he opened it, carrying the faint scent of winter. His breath caught.

Cassandra stood wrapped in layers against the cold - a thick scarf covering her mouth, an oversized beanie pulled low. Only her enormous, liquid eyes remained visible.

They stared at each other in silence.

"It's freezing out here," Cassandra finally said, her voice muffled by wool.

Liam stepped back wordlessly, holding the door wider. She hurried inside, the warmth enveloping her like a blanket.

Guilt twisted in Cassandra's stomach. She'd been the one to establish boundaries, to insist they couldn't meet privately. He'd respected that completely. Until now.

"Sit," Liam said softly, gesturing toward the couch.

As Cassandra moved toward the seating area, Liam crossed to the kitchenette. He pulled a carton of milk from the cupboard, carefully cutting it open before pouring the contents into a glass. The glass went into a pot of simmering water to warm.

He stood with his back to her, watching the milk through the steam.