Chapter 9

Evelyn raised her hand sharply, cutting off Adrian's words. "Enough. You're not leaving."

She wasn't cruel enough to destroy someone's career over something so trivial.

Adrian's face lit up with relief. "Thank you, Mrs. Blackwood. I'm forever in your debt. Whatever you need, just say the word."

Uncomfortable with his dramatics, Evelyn thrust Liam's watch at him. "Just return this to Liam. That's all I ask."

"Consider it done." Adrian carefully took the timepiece.

Evelyn hesitated before asking, "Where's the nearest train station or airport?"

Adrian's expression fell. "You're leaving?"

She forced a tight smile and nodded. Watching Liam dote on another woman was more than she could bear.

She wasn't a glutton for punishment.

Her plan was simple - explain everything to Margaret Thorn and end this farce of a marriage.

After an awkward pause, Adrian offered, "Let me drive you to Aldenria tomorrow. It's about six hours."

"Fine. Thank you." Evelyn's smile didn't reach her eyes. Her voice sounded hollow even to her own ears.

She wandered away in a daze.

The golden sunset painted everything in warm hues.

Having skipped lunch while hiding in her room with a book, Evelyn realized dinner time approached.

She headed toward the mess hall.

Fate intervened when she nearly collided with Liam, flanked by Ryan and Adrian.

Both men greeted her respectfully. "Mrs. Blackwood."

Evelyn gave a curt nod.

"Hello." Liam's gaze remained as distant as ever. "Adrian mentioned you're leaving tomorrow."

"Yes."

"Not adjusting well here?" His probing question felt like salt in a wound.

Evelyn fabricated an excuse. "I miss Margaret."

Liam's expression darkened. "Going to discuss our divorce with her?"

Since he'd seen through her lie, she didn't bother denying it. "This marriage was never your choice. Why prolong the inevitable?"

He scoffed. "After three years caring for her, you should know Margaret better than that."

"Then we'll divorce quietly and pretend for her sake," Evelyn countered firmly.

With his subordinates listening, Liam's pride bristled. Women across the country would kill to be in her position, yet she treated it like a prison sentence.

"Was this all just a play for money?" he sneered. "Name your price then."

Evelyn froze, his words like a physical blow.

Her hands clenched into shaking fists. Tears pricked her eyes.

What kind of monster did he think she was?

Blinking back tears, she forced calm into her voice. "Sorry to disappoint, but I don't need your money. A woman like me has earned plenty from men over the years. I just needed a loyal fool to marry."

"A loyal fool?" Liam's scowl could have melted steel.

Behind him, Ryan and Adrian struggled to maintain straight faces.

The tense moment shattered when a researcher came sprinting toward them. "General! Chemical leak in Lab Five! Multiple casualties including Ms. Wright!"

Liam took off running before the man finished speaking.

Chemical poisoning?

Concern overriding her anger, Evelyn chased after him without hesitation.