Chapter 98

Ryan still had his eyes shut tight. "True. At lunch today, General Blackwood stared at that chicken drumstick on his plate for ages. Didn't touch a single bite."

Adrian looked baffled. "General Blackwood never wastes food."

Ryan nodded. "Exactly. He gave it to me instead."

The memory made his mouth water again.

Adrian leaned in closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "What if I go to Aldenria and bring Ms. Carter back?"

"Forget it." Ryan rubbed his eyes. "Have you ever seen newlyweds go ten days without calls or texts? Probably no feelings there."

Adrian nervously checked the hallway before whispering, "Ryan, listen to this."

Ryan caught his tension and snapped his eyes open, leaning forward. "What?"

"That letter Ms. Carter left for General Blackwood? Got tossed in the trash immediately." Adrian's voice was barely audible.

"No surprise there." Ryan arched an eyebrow.

"But yesterday I found it in his desk drawer." Adrian grinned.

Ryan's eyes widened as Adrian nodded excitedly.

The two exchanged knowing looks. Something was definitely up with Liam.

Ryan suddenly sat upright. "Wait—didn't General Blackwood's aunt send an invitation yesterday? Should we tell him?"

Adrian grimaced. "You want to die? He said to reject anything from that aunt immediately."

Ryan kicked Adrian's shin. "Idiot! This could be our excuse to get him back to Aldenria. Maybe he'll go this time."

Adrian's eyes lit up with realization.

They scrambled to their feet and rushed to the office.

After knocking, they entered cautiously.

Liam stood silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows, his broad shoulders outlined by the city lights. The very air around him felt heavy.

"General Blackwood," they chorused.

Without turning, Liam's deep voice rumbled, "You should be resting."

Adrian nodded quickly. "Yes, sir."

Ryan shot him a glare before speaking up. "General, about your aunt—"

Liam cut him off sharply. "Don't mention her."

They both swallowed hard.

Liam's aunt was notoriously meddlesome. Normally, even hearing her name gave him migraines.

Ryan gathered his courage. "She's returning from her travels. Hosting a banquet tomorrow night. Wants you there."

Adrian held his breath, expecting an explosion.

Silence.

Liam's gaze drifted toward Aldenria's direction. Were the stars as bright there? Was Evelyn asleep by now?

The two subordinates exchanged glances. This was the first time Liam hadn't erupted at his aunt's mention.

At Blackwood Manor...

"Evelyn, come here please," Eleanor called.

Evelyn set down her book and joined Eleanor on the living room sofa. "What is it, Mother?"

Eleanor studied Evelyn closely. Over time, she'd realized Evelyn was gentle to a fault—the type who'd let others walk over her.

She couldn't help worrying. "Evelyn, Liam's aunt returns tomorrow. No matter what she says, stay calm. Don't provoke her."

Evelyn frowned. "Who is she exactly? Why does everyone fear her?"