Chapter 170 Not A Speck of Surprise
“That’s good to hear,” Liam responded calmly. He shut his laptop, then told Diana, “I have some matters to take care of and need to leave now. You should finish up and head home as well.”
Had it not been for waiting for Diana to awaken, he would have already returned to the Evans estate.
Coincidentally, today marked his first visit back to the Evans home since breaking ties with the family.
“Okay.” Diana smiled at him, nodding, “I’ll leave after you do.”
“Sure.” Liam nodded once more and, taking his coat and car keys, left the office without a second glance at Diana.
Diana stayed by the lounge door until Liam's figure had completely vanished from her view. Only then did she slump against the doorframe, deflated like a balloon.
To claim she felt no disappointment would be a lie.
But it was all her own doing. Could she really expect, or even demand, that a single encounter would make Liam commit to a relationship, to make her his girlfriend?
Impossible. Even separated from the Evans, he was still Liam, one of the renowned elites in the city.
Trying to console herself she thought. Just as Liam had said, by keeping their relationship professional, being able to stay by his side, that was already more than enough for her.
Truly, more than enough.
...
Leaving the office, Liam drove straight to the Evans family estate.
That day, Tyler presented Yvonne with the divorce papers, but instead of signing, she made a scene at home, insisting on awaiting Liam’s return.
Liam wasn't one to bite the hand that fed him. Regardless of everything, Yvonne had been looking after him for thirty years. He considered this visit a final gesture of gratitude towards her care.
By the time he arrived at the Evans estate, it was nearly nine in the evening. The house was quiet, all the housekeepers looked serious. Upon seeing him, they seemed to glimpse a savior, hope flickering in their eyes.
“Liam, you’re back!” As Liam got out of the car, the butler approached him with long strides.
Liam glanced at the butler, uttered a faint "Yeah," and said nothing more, striding towards the main building.
Entering the grand hall, he was met with complete confusion. Tyler sat with his eyes closed, leaning on the couch, exhausted and motionless, but Yvonne was nowhere to be seen.
"Dad." Liam stepped over the mess and approached him, speaking in an even tone.
At the sound, Tyler opened his eyes, red and bleary, took a deep breath, and said, “Liam, you’re back.”
Nodding at Tyler, Liam turned to the butler and asked, “Where’s Yvonne?”
“In her room upstairs,” the butler replied with a frown, his expression grave.
“Call her down,” Liam ordered.
“Yes, sir.” The butler nodded and went upstairs.
“I can’t live like this for another day; I must divorce her,” Tyler said with resolute bitterness once the butler was gone.
“Yeah, I know.” Liam nodded, keeping it brief.
“Recently, I've transferred any assets I could into your name,” Tyler sighed heavily, pressing the back of his hand against his weary forehead while reclining on the couch, “I’m getting old, and the Evans Group can only rely on you now. Come back home, son.”
Observing Tyler, it was true that in just a couple of months, he seemed over a decade older, his temples now fully silvery.
After a moment of contemplation, Liam nodded and said softly, “I’ll return as soon as I have cleared up some personal issues.”
“You spineless old jerk, it looks like you’ve made all the preparations to divorce me!” Just then, Yvonne’s angry voice echoed down from the upstairs landing.
Instantly, Liam’s handsome features tensed as he looked up.
Despite Teresa and the Garcia's pledge to spare Yvonne, she still needed to be taught a lesson. Consequently, Yvonne spent a tough two weeks in the detention center, only getting released yesterday. She looked gaunt and haggard; clearly, her time inside had been rough.
Tyler slouched on the couch, not even bothering to glance at Yvonne, turning his head away dismissively.
"You're both trying to drive me to my grave, aren't you?" Yvonne thundered as she stormed down the stairs and faced Tyler and Liam, pointing an accusatory finger at Tyler, "Let me tell you, Tyler, there's no way I'm signing those papers. Not unless I'm dead. Think you can just transfer all your assets to Liam and divorce me? No chance!"
Liam stood calmly, his eyes narrowing as he observed the relentless Yvonne. Not waiting for Tyler to speak up, he addressed her directly, "If you won't sign, that's fine. I'll get Gabriel on it; he'll sue you for the willful abduction and assault of Teresa. Push it hard with the charges, and you could be sentenced to seven to eight years at least."
With a resounding "smack," Yvonne, seething with rage, slapped Liam across his face as soon as he finished speaking.
Liam could have easily dodged, yet he didn't flinch, taking the slap head-on.
"You ungrateful kid, I should have strangled you when I had the chance!" Yvonne hissed, pointing at him, trembling with fury.
"Just sign it," Tyler said, fed up with any further nonsensical chatter. Tossing the divorce papers before her, he declared, "Keep your own stuff. I don't want a thing from you. All my assets have already been transferred to Liam. Don't even think about taking a penny."
"You two are nothing but ungrateful bastards. If it hadn't been for my family’s help, your family’s business could have been done..."
"Shut it!" Tyler had had enough of Yvonne. Before she could finish, he cut her off with a roar, glaring at her furiously, "Yvonne, take your stuff and get back to your family."
