Chapter 63

Liam's fingers tightened into fists inside his coat pockets. Though struggling to maintain composure, his voice remained casual as he inquired, "Was this before her memory loss?"

"She's faking the amnesia," Julian stated with conviction. "This whole act of forgetting everything is just a ploy to avoid acknowledging me. All because she never got over our breakup years ago."

Evelyn's words echoed through Liam's mind. He remembered asking if she'd ever been in love before. Her response had been heartbreaking - she'd loved someone whose heart belonged elsewhere. A love that was never meant to be.

Was Julian that man?

Liam drew a sharp breath. An invisible weight pressed against his chest, making it difficult to breathe. After a tense pause, he remarked, "Her talents don't match her family background and experiences."

Julian chuckled darkly. "Absolutely. She's in a league of her own. You can't define her by her origins."

"True enough." Liam met Julian's gaze with unsettling sincerity. "I'd appreciate your blessing."

His tone was light, but the challenge in his eyes was unmistakable.

Julian's eye twitched violently as he stared at Liam. "Excuse me?"

"I didn't inform you about our marriage because we haven't had the ceremony yet. Given our long friendship, I was hoping you'd wish us well," Liam explained smoothly.

Julian's face drained of color. Caught off guard, he stammered, "You were utterly devoted to Victoria before. You're not the type to change affections easily. She's my niece. How can you expect my approval?"

Liam knew Julian's objections had nothing to do with Victoria. This confirmed he'd need to watch Julian carefully.

"As adults, we learn love doesn't always follow ideals. My grandmother chose Evelyn for me. Now that we're married, I intend to honor that commitment," Liam said meaningfully.

Julian fell into brooding silence, his expression darkening.

Liam gave his shoulder a patronizing pat. "Duty calls. We'll catch up later."

Forcing a stiff smile, Julian managed, "Of course."

Adjusting his glasses, he watched Liam depart with barely concealed fury glittering in his eyes.

The night sky glittered with stars above the cruise ship, their brilliance cutting through the darkness.

Hunger finally drove Evelyn from her cabin toward the dining area. As she walked the corridor, she overheard three women gossiping about Liam.

"I never imagined General Blackwood would be so striking in person! The rumors didn't do him justice."

"Same! I expected some grizzled old military man, not that gorgeous specimen. He's absolutely breathtaking! I feel safer knowing he's protecting us."

"With Aldenria's military technology, we've nothing to fear. Remember when they launched the Phantom-X missile? The whole world trembled."

"But people have died onboard already. It's terrifying. I just want to go home."

"We won't reach port soon. The military's interrogating everyone. They're searching for something important."

"What could it be?"

"No idea, but they questioned me earlier. I was completely confused."

"Me too! How long will this take? There are thousands onboard."

"Probably days."

Evelyn frowned as she trailed behind them. If security was questioning passengers, why had she been overlooked?