Chapter 89

All heads snapped toward the commanding voice.

Liam Blackwood stormed forward, his military boots striking the marble floor with thunderous purpose. His trusted lieutenants - Ryan Sullivan and Adrian Castillo - followed closely behind, their expressions mirroring their commander's fury.

"General Blackwood!" The soldiers immediately straightened their postures, their weapons held at perfect attention. The mere presence of their leader reinvigorated their resolve.

Evelyn Carter had remained composed throughout the confrontation, but the moment her eyes met Liam's, her carefully maintained facade cracked. Tears welled up in her hazel eyes, her fingers trembling at her sides.

Her mind raced with chaotic thoughts. False accusations meant nothing. Strangers' opinions didn't matter. But the possibility of Liam's misunderstanding - that terrified her beyond measure.

Liam stood like an immovable force before Damian Reeves, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over the police officer. The sheer intensity of his presence made Damian unconsciously take half a step back.

Damian cleared his throat. "General Blackwood, we have a clear case of attempted assault here. I'm simply performing my duty to arrest the perpetrator. Order your men to stand down and hand her over."

Liam's icy gaze shifted to Victoria Dawson, who stood trembling beside the officer.

Victoria seized the opportunity, her voice breaking with theatrical sobs. "Liam! She tried to kill me! You've always stood for justice - you can't protect a criminal!"

With a single motion, Liam extended his arm, stopping Victoria's advance by pressing his palm against her forehead. His darkening expression made her recoil instantly.

Ryan and Adrian moved with military precision, intercepting Victoria and pulling her back.

"You don't understand!" Victoria wailed. "She's dangerous! You can't let your personal feelings cloud your judgment!"

Evelyn opened her mouth to explain, but the words caught in her throat. How could she articulate the truth when Victoria's silver tongue twisted every fact?

Damian smirked. "Justice must be served impartially, General. That's why I must take her into custody today."

Liam's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Victoria Dawson, drop these charges. Now."

Victoria wiped her tears dramatically. "I can't! Not when my life was in danger! She belongs behind bars!"

"That's not what happened," Evelyn finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper but carrying undeniable conviction.

Liam turned toward her, his stern expression softening slightly at the sight of her tear-filled eyes. The mixture of defiance and vulnerability in her gaze struck him deeply.

In the past, Liam would have moved heaven and earth to protect Victoria. She'd been his childhood companion, his responsibility. But now... now his protective instincts had shifted entirely toward Evelyn.

"Ryan," Liam commanded without breaking eye contact with Evelyn, "pull the surveillance footage."

Before Ryan could respond, Damian interjected, "I've already reviewed the tapes. They clearly show Ms. Carter pushing Ms. Dawson in the lobby. Unfortunately, the cameras at the entrance seem to be malfunctioning."

"Malfunctioning?" Liam's laugh held no humor. "There are no technical failures under my command."

Damian blinked in confusion.

Liam continued sharply, "Ryan, summon the IT team immediately. With full diagnostic equipment."

"On it, sir." Ryan turned on his heel and disappeared down the corridor.

"Adrian," Liam called next.

"At your service, General." Adrian stepped forward smartly.

"Fetch me a chair."

Adrian nodded and departed with military efficiency.

Damian forced a smile. "That's unnecessary, General. I'm perfectly comfortable standing while we-"

Liam ignored him completely.

When Adrian returned with an ornate chair, Damian attempted to sit, only for Liam to take the seat himself. The police officer's face flushed with embarrassment.

"This isn't about your comfort," Liam said coldly, crossing his legs as he settled into the chair like a king holding court. "We're going to get to the bottom of this. Properly."