Chapter 72

Evelyn understood perfectly well that Liam was subtly reminding her about Victoria chasing after them.

Memories of the tender moments between Liam and Victoria at the military base flooded her mind, accompanied by Liam's constant care and attention toward Victoria. A sharp pang of jealousy twisted her heart.

She lowered her gaze, refusing to speak another word.

Liam studied her melancholy profile, his dark eyes growing stormy as his brows furrowed slightly.

An uneasy feeling settled in his chest. Was she really that reluctant to be with him? Was she thinking about Julian again?

After a brief internal battle, Liam couldn't bear seeing her distressed any longer. "Where would you like me to drop you off?" he asked abruptly.

Evelyn bit her lip as a wave of sadness crashed over her. So he was letting her go after all.

"Anywhere is fine," she murmured.

From the front passenger seat, Ryan quickly interjected, "Madam, we're on the highway - we can't just stop here."

Adrian, who'd been focused on driving, added, "Why don't you come with us to the military base for a few days? Many people there miss you, especially the research team. They keep asking when you'll visit again."

Since her memory loss, Evelyn had only heard affection from her grandmother. Hearing that people at the base cared about her made her face instantly brighten.

She leaned forward with a smile. "Really?"

Adrian nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. Dr. Reynolds mentions you often."

Seizing this opportunity to escape the awkward situation, Evelyn declared, "Then I'll go see them!"

Adrian grinned. "This time, Madam, I'll teach you proper self-defense. No tricks like last time."

Evelyn scoffed playfully, her mood lifting. "So you admit you were messing with me before?"

Having interacted with Evelyn several times now, Adrian found her gentle yet resilient. He chuckled. "My apologies for that. But I promise - whatever you want to learn, I'll teach you properly."

Evelyn sighed. "But I'm not strong enough."

"Strength can be built," Adrian reassured. "First, you need to increase your protein intake-"

"Focus on driving." Liam's sharp command cut through the car.

His tone carried unmistakable authority. Adrian immediately straightened. "Yes, General Blackwood."

The sudden shift in atmosphere made Evelyn tense. She sensed Liam's jealousy radiating through the car.

Leaning back, she pulled out her phone and began scrolling silently, her earlier cheerfulness gone.

Then she felt warm breath near her ear. "If you want to learn self-defense, I'll teach you."

Evelyn startled, turning to look at the man beside her. Liam's profile remained stern, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

But she hadn't imagined it - he'd definitely whispered those words.

Learning from Adrian would have been simple - just training. But any physical contact with Liam made her pulse race uncontrollably.

After a moment's hesitation, she declined politely. "No thank you, I've changed my mind."

"Fine," Liam replied flatly.

He said nothing more, closing his eyes as if to rest.

Unseen by Evelyn, his hands clenched into fists. A strange tightness constricted his chest, making it hard to breathe.

This unfamiliar discomfort put him in a foul mood.