Chapter 76

Liam's expression turned thunderous as fury radiated from his entire being.

"Exposing people's past mistakes, exploiting their vulnerabilities, and ridiculing them to their face - is this how you were raised to behave?"

Victoria's eyes widened with feigned innocence. "I merely suggested her attempted murder might relate to previous romantic entanglements."

His voice dropped to an arctic chill. "You could have stated that simply instead of delivering an unsolicited character assassination."

Victoria's lower lip trembled. "Liam, I know I overstepped. The words just tumbled out. Please don't be angry with me."

The blatant lie made his jaw clench. Every calculated word had been designed to wound Evelyn.

Liam seized her wrist, marching toward the field hospital exit. "I'm arranging your immediate return home. Don't come back."

Victoria dug in her heels. "Liam, I just arrived! I want to stay with you."

"Your presence isn't required."

"Let go of me!" Victoria's struggles proved useless against his iron grip.

When tears suddenly spilled down her cheeks, nearby soldiers paused mid-patrol. Wrenching free, she demanded, "Tell me truthfully - are you falling for Evelyn?"

The question struck Liam like a physical blow. His pulse stuttered with unexpected panic.

In his momentary distraction, Victoria twisted away. Backing up several paces, she wiped her face with dramatic flair. "How could you betray me like this?"

Liam's patience snapped. "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

"Since we were children, there was always something between us!" Her voice cracked theatrically. "An unspoken understanding! I've remained pure for twenty-five years, rejecting countless suitors for you!"

She continued bitterly, "And you? You married that scheming socialite just to please your grandmother. Now you're actually developing feelings for her? That innocent act is just another one of her manipulations!"

"Liam, don't you see? She ensnared every ex-lover the same way - including my uncle! He only escaped when her true nature emerged!"

The accusations sent white-hot anger coursing through Liam's veins. "Have you finished?"

Victoria's tears flowed freely now. "Why do you think I'm so harsh with Evelyn? I'm trying to protect you from her web of lies before it's too late!"

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I can't bear to watch her destroy you financially, emotionally, romantically..."

An unfamiliar ache spread through Liam's chest at her words, leaving him strangely unsettled.

"I'm not in love with Evelyn. Nor will I ever be. Now go home before you cause more damage."

Before he could stop her, Victoria darted toward the barracks.

"I'll stay in my quarters and reflect!" she called over her shoulder. "You won't even know I'm here!"

Watching her retreating figure, Liam massaged his temples as a migraine began pulsing behind his eyes.

What had happened to the sweet girl he'd known before her decade abroad? Had that person completely vanished?