Chapter 62

The pirate leader shoved Victoria aside and scrambled onto the speedboat, disappearing into the horizon.

Victoria pressed a hand to her bleeding neck as she stumbled toward Liam.

"Liam!" she cried, her voice trembling. "Order your men to shoot! He's still within range—we can take him out now!"

Instead of complying, Liam gripped her wrist and pulled her hand away to inspect the wound.

"It's shallow," he said coolly. "You'll live."

Victoria's eyes flashed with fury. "He's getting away! Shoot him!"

Ignoring her, Liam turned to Ryan. "Patch her up."

Helpless, Victoria could only watch as the pirate vanished into the distance. She stomped her foot in frustration before whirling back toward Liam.

But he was already walking away, his men trailing behind him.

"Liam!" she called, hurrying after him. "Aren't you going to stay with me? I could have died!"

He didn’t spare her a glance.

Ryan sighed and stepped forward. "Ms. Dawson, let me tend to your wound."

Victoria glared at him. "No! I want Liam!"

Liam finally stopped, exhaling sharply before grabbing her arm and dragging her toward the infirmary.

"Fine," he snapped. "I'll do it myself."

Ryan watched them go, shaking his head. What a headache.

Ten minutes later, Liam finished bandaging her wound and led her to a guest cabin.

As he stepped out, he nearly collided with Julian Whitmore.

The two exchanged a silent nod.

"You're here," Liam said flatly.

Julian gave a strained smile. "Victoria insisted."

Liam rubbed his temple. "She's spoiled. And you're to blame."

Julian leaned against the wall with a helpless shrug. "Not me. My late brother and his wife doted on her. I had no say."

Liam mirrored his stance, tilting his head back. "I'm married now. If you still want her, take her."

Julian hesitated. "I know. But your wife is my ex."

Liam's expression darkened.

A sharp, inexplicable pang twisted in his chest.

Julian continued carefully, "Even though I'm not her real uncle, we're still family. Besides, you've always cared for her. I wouldn't fight you over a woman."

He sighed. "Victoria talked about you nonstop while we were in Solterra. I knew she loved you. That's why I ended things three years ago."

Liam's jaw tightened.

Julian added, "She was brilliant, beautiful—the most captivating woman I'd ever met. I never imagined she'd end up as your wife."