Chapter 99

"She's truly formidable!" Eleanor sighed with resignation.

Evelyn's brows knitted together in unease.

Seeing Evelyn's lack of self-preservation instincts, Eleanor felt compelled to warn her again. "Even Liam steers clear of her. Her return will undoubtedly stir up trouble in the family once more."

Curiosity and concern warred within Evelyn.

Eleanor's irritation grew palpable. The two women sat in heavy silence, neither initiating conversation.

Evelyn attempted to break the tension. "Mother, I noticed you've been tending to the greenhouse. Would you like some assistance?"

Eleanor's expression brightened. "Oh yes! The flowers are in full bloom now. If you're free, could you help cut some for the vases? We can arrange them throughout the house later."

Evelyn smiled warmly. "I'd be happy to. How many vases will we need?"

"They're already prepared in the greenhouse. Come, I'll show you." Eleanor instinctively grasped Evelyn's wrist, leading her forward.

A profound warmth blossomed in Evelyn's chest.

She knew her marriage to Liam would ultimately end in either divorce or death - an inevitable conclusion. Yet while they remained wed, she desperately craved his family's acceptance.

As they stepped outside, a convoy of military vehicles screeched to a halt before the manor.

Eleanor gasped with delight. "Oh heavens! It's my son's convoy!"

Evelyn's pulse skyrocketed. She stood frozen as Liam's armored vehicle came to rest.

Ryan and Adrian emerged first.

Every muscle in Evelyn's body tensed. Her breathing turned shallow, palms growing damp with perspiration.

Then Liam descended.

Ten days apart, and now they stood mere feet from each other.

He looked devastatingly handsome as ever, his chiseled features glowing under the afternoon sun.

"Hello, Mother." Liam's deep voice carried warmth as he embraced Eleanor.

Though he'd spotted Evelyn the moment his vehicle approached, he now deliberately avoided her gaze.

Eleanor patted his arm in disbelief. "What brings you home now? Don't you know your aunt arrives tomorrow? Your siblings left with their spouses this morning. Why return today?"

Liam shrugged casually. "I'm aware of her arrival. Just happened to have a mission in Aldenria."

Eleanor sighed. "How unfortunate."

At that moment, Evelyn approached and offered a formal greeting. "General Blackwood."

To Eleanor, their marriage remained one in name only, so the distant address didn't surprise her.

A shadow crossed Liam's features as he studied Evelyn.

The formal salutation in her letter had unsettled him, but hearing it in person - so cold and detached - shattered something within him.

His response came clipped and icy. "Hello."

Evelyn kept her gaze lowered, terrified that meeting his eyes might unleash her tears.

Eleanor tugged Liam toward the house. "Is this a demanding assignment? How long will you stay?"

"Just a few days. Routine matters." Liam noticed Evelyn wasn't following. Instead, she'd turned toward the greenhouse alone. His eyes tracked her solitary figure retreating across the lawn.