Chapter 71

Liam's voice was steady as he spoke. "I'll need you to escort her home. She made quite a spectacle at the military base earlier, and now the entire research division holds a grudge against her. This is beyond my control."

Victoria immediately rushed to his side, her cheeks flushed with irritation. "Liam, I refuse to go home! I want to stay and watch the training exercises!"

His expression remained unyielding. "You're returning with your uncle. I won't have your grandparents worrying about you."

With that final statement, he guided Evelyn toward the heavily armored military vehicles waiting nearby.

Victoria watched through narrowed eyes as the impressive convoy departed with Evelyn and Liam at the forefront. Her lips pressed into a thin line of displeasure.

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. A dangerous glint flashed briefly in her eyes before she schooled her features.

Cassandra offered an awkward smile. "Well then, Victoria, shall we take your uncle's car back?"

Ignoring Cassandra completely, Victoria ground out through clenched teeth, "Julian, drive me to headquarters immediately."

Julian's response was ice-cold. "I have surgeries scheduled tomorrow. Take a taxi."

He turned on his heel and left without another word.

Cassandra stood frozen in confusion. Weren't Victoria and Julian supposed to be close? Why this sudden chill between them? And since when did Victoria address her uncle so formally?

Julian drove off alone while Victoria hailed a cab to follow Liam's convoy.

Left standing alone, Cassandra could only stare in bewilderment at the unfolding drama.

Inside the military vehicle heading toward the border regions, Evelyn shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Her gaze remained fixed on the passing landscape outside the window, wondering when Liam would finally stop the car.

Anywhere near public transportation would be ideal - she could easily make her way back to Blackwood Manor from there.

Yet even as they left Aldenria behind, Liam showed no signs of stopping.

Summoning her courage, Evelyn turned toward him. Liam's sharp profile was striking in the afternoon light, his aristocratic features undeniably handsome.

His military posture never wavered, his tall frame radiating an intimidating aura of authority that kept others at a distance.

After gathering her thoughts, Evelyn ventured cautiously, "Are we truly going to the border?"

Liam seemed to snap out of his thoughts, turning to meet her gaze. His voice softened slightly as he asked, "Do you want to go?"

Evelyn nearly laughed at the absurdity of the question. They were already miles beyond city limits - what choice did she have now?

While the frontier held no appeal for her, being with Liam did. If he genuinely wanted her company, she would gladly follow.

But this wasn't about her - she recognized the petty rivalry between Liam and Julian. His actions weren't motivated by affection.

After a long silence, Evelyn finally spoke. "Liam, you know I have amnesia. To me, Julian is just a stranger. There's nothing between us. You don't need to worry about... betrayal."

"Betrayal?" Liam's eyes darkened, his expression unreadable.

"You and Julian don't get along, do you?" Evelyn pressed, her heart aching. She looked away, unable to meet his piercing gaze. "Was it really necessary to call me 'Eve' and spin those stories just to spite him?"

A bitter smile touched Liam's lips. He leaned back against the seat, his tone clipped. "Why? Are you concerned for him?"

"I—" The words caught in Evelyn's throat.

It was Liam she worried about. She hated seeing him torture himself with words he didn't mean, actions that went against his nature.

But the confession remained unspoken. The silence stretched between them.

Liam turned his head slightly, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror. "You may not want to go," he murmured, "but someone seems determined to follow."