Chapter 267

Miranda turned to face Victor, her eyes widening in shock. "Mr. Blackwood, wouldn't it be wiser to wait until tomorrow? Acting now might compromise your position."

Victor's jaw tightened as he struggled to control his rare outburst of anger. His glare turned icy as he snapped, "Just follow my orders! Who gave you the right to question me? And don't think I'm unaware of what you did the other day."

The threat in Victor's piercing stare grew more pronounced as he finished speaking.

Miranda felt an icy shiver crawl down her spine. She realized Victor must have discovered her failure to eliminate Olivia.

She understood her continued survival depended solely on her usefulness to Victor.

Yet a small, foolish part of her clung to hope - perhaps after all these years by his side, Victor might harbor some shred of affection for her.

With these thoughts swirling through her mind, Miranda turned and walked away. She could feel Victor's lethal gaze burning into her back.

At that moment, Liam instructed Sebastian to start the engine. Suddenly, Evelyn appeared.

Spotting Liam's car, Evelyn rushed forward and rapped sharply on the window.

"Liam." Her voice dripped with concern as she asked, "Are you certain you shouldn't stay at Mercy Hospital with your mother? My instincts tell me Richard and... well, that mysterious man. I believe they're planning something. Your mother could be in danger. It would be safer if you remained to watch over her."

Liam suppressed the disgust churning in his stomach and forced a tired smile. "Whatever their intentions, I need to rest now."

Evelyn's face fell at his words, disappointment coloring her tone. "But Liam—"

Before she could finish, Liam ordered Sebastian to drive away.

As the car pulled off, Evelyn stomped her foot in frustration.

Originally, the arrangement had been between Victor and the Hartley family - Victor would help Evelyn win Liam's heart in exchange for their cooperation.

Eager for the opportunity, Evelyn had jumped at the deal.

Later, her relationship with Liam had indeed grown closer, though unbeknownst to her, this was only because Liam had decided to play along - his acting skills far surpassing hers in authenticity.

As time passed, Evelyn gradually uncovered Victor's true intentions. He wanted Liam's position... and his life.

Realizing her terrible mistake, Evelyn knew with bitter certainty that even if she confessed everything to Liam - claiming she never meant to harm him, that insecurity had clouded her judgment - Liam would undoubtedly end their relationship. Betrayal was the one thing he could never forgive.

Moreover, Evelyn knew Liam's capabilities all too well. If he discovered her betrayal, he would make sure she paid dearly.

Though heartbroken at the inevitable loss of Liam and fearful of his retribution, Evelyn took some comfort in Richard's assurance that the Hartley family would be richly rewarded for their cooperation this time.