Chapter 49

Evelyn's breath hitched as she locked eyes with the imposing figure before her. Electricity crackled in the charged silence between them.

Liam remained perfectly composed. Only the slightest flicker of heat betrayed his carefully controlled expression.

In contrast, Evelyn fidgeted like a nervous schoolgirl. A sudden realization struck her.

Wasn't this exactly how those scheming women in soap operas tried to seduce powerful men?

Liam's calm demeanor unnerved her.

Did he think she'd orchestrated this entire situation to seduce him?

Was that why his eyes held that barely concealed impatience?

Evelyn swallowed hard. She scrambled to her feet, putting distance between them. Bowing her head like a chastened child, she whispered, "I'm truly sorry."

Liam exhaled sharply and stood.

"I need to borrow your hair dryer."

"Of course." Evelyn gestured toward the bathroom, her cheeks flaming. "It's in the vanity drawer."

Liam strode past her without another word.

The moment the bathroom door clicked shut, his ironclad composure shattered. He braced himself against the sink, eyes squeezed shut as he took several shuddering breaths. His Adam's apple bobbed violently.

Damn it all!

Since when had his self-control become so pathetic?

The whir of the hair dryer filled the small space for what felt like an eternity.

When Liam finally emerged, Evelyn stood frozen by the coffee table. A fresh glass of water sat beside the original, and someone had draped a protective cover over the adjacent sofa.

Liam resumed his seat and gestured to the wooden chair. "Sit."

"Yes, sir." Evelyn obediently dragged the chair opposite him, perching on the edge like a job applicant facing a stern interviewer.

Liam's commanding presence filled the modest apartment. He carried himself with such natural authority that he might as well have owned the place.

Unable to meet his piercing gaze, Evelyn blurted, "I'm ready whenever you are."

Liam's brow furrowed. "Ready for what?"

Evelyn blinked in confusion. "The paperwork. Aren't we discussing the divorce?"

"No." His response came sharp and final, leaving no room for argument. "Forget about divorce. We need to clarify your situation first."

"My situation?"

"Your identity."

Evelyn threw up her hands. "I'm Evelyn Carter. That's all there is to it."

"Then explain Isabella Grayson."

"How should I know? I don't remember!"

Jumping up, Evelyn retrieved a folder from her nightstand and thrust it at Liam. "Here's my DNA report."

Liam scanned the documents from Goodwill Hospital comparing Evelyn's DNA with her supposed relatives.

Evelyn explained, "I had no memories when I woke up in that hospital. The doctors said multiple plastic surgeries altered my appearance."

"They found my family through ID records, but couldn't confirm my identity visually. Hence the DNA test."

Liam's frown deepened as he examined the report. "Was this conducted under police supervision?"

"Absolutely," Evelyn insisted. "No one tampered with the samples. The officers took my blood directly to the lab, and I collected the results myself. It's legitimate."

Liam's gaze turned probing. "With your artistic talent, you could've earned a fortune. Why sell yourself to marry some old man for money?"