Chapter 7

"Understood, General." Adrian Castillo responded with military precision.

Liam Blackwood exhaled sharply through his nose. He fully intended to honor his promise, but Evelyn's definition of a faithful husband remained an enigma to him.

Three days had passed since Evelyn's injuries healed completely.

Three days since Liam had last visited Victoria Dawson. Evelyn hadn't seen hide nor hair of him since that encounter.

Her mood darkened with each passing hour. Determined to channel her frustration productively, she headed to the military training facility to learn self-defense techniques.

Among the sea of uniformed soldiers, Evelyn's feminine curves stood out starkly.

At the far end of the compound, Victoria appeared beside Special Assistant Adrian Castillo.

"That's three days now," Victoria pouted, her voice dripping with petulance. "Where could Liam possibly be?"

Adrian adjusted his stance. "General Blackwood had urgent business to attend to. He should return today."

Victoria's eyes turned glacial when she spotted Evelyn practicing defensive stances. "What's she doing here?"

"Mrs. Blackwood—" Adrian began.

"Don't call her that!" Victoria spat. "That conniving little tramp would do anything to get what she wants. She's making Liam miserable."

She leaned closer to Adrian, her voice lowering to a venomous whisper. "I heard she used to be some high-class escort. And—"

Meanwhile on the training field, sweat glistened on Evelyn's forehead, but the physical exertion had lifted her spirits considerably.

"Thank you," Evelyn nodded to her instructor. "Could you show me a few more techniques?"

The trainer smiled warmly. "My pleasure."

Before he could demonstrate, Adrian strode over with purposeful steps, his expression dark. "I'll take over her training."

Evelyn blinked in confusion.

The instructor immediately snapped to attention. "Sir!"

Adrian dismissed him with a curt gesture.

Evelyn sensed the hostility radiating from Adrian, though she couldn't fathom its source since they'd never met.

"What would you like to teach me, Mr. Castillo?" she asked politely.

"Close quarters combat," he replied icily.

Before Evelyn could protest, Adrian launched into an aggressive demonstration that left her bruised and breathless.

The watching soldiers winced in sympathy but knew better than to interfere.

After her fifth painful landing, Evelyn's entire body screamed in protest. "I think that's enough for today."

"We're just getting started." Adrian hauled her up and locked her in a chokehold from behind. "Now, how would you escape this?"

Gasping for air, Evelyn's vision swam. Through the haze, she spotted Victoria watching with malicious amusement.

The realization hit her like a physical blow. This wasn't training—it was punishment.

"Stomp...on...foot..." Adrian instructed through gritted teeth as Evelyn struggled. "Twist...thumb..."

Evelyn followed his directions but only succeeded in crashing painfully to the mat again.

Humiliation burned through her. She felt like a circus animal being put through its paces for others' entertainment.

Just as her vision began to blur, strong hands gripped her shoulders, pulling her upright.

She blinked up into the stern face of Liam Blackwood.