Chapter 11

Had Liam's background check on Evelyn missed something crucial?

Ethan Reynolds was the only one visibly excited at the prospect of uncovering an expert in such matters.

"Mrs. Blackwood," he asked eagerly, "did you major in chemistry?"

Evelyn's eyes shimmered with emotion, but her mind was blank. She shook her head softly. "I don't remember anything."

"Nothing at all?" Ethan's face fell instantly. "Then how did you recognize Azurium and Rhenium? And you even knew the antidote to the toxic gas!"

Evelyn considered for a moment before replying matter-of-factly, "It's like knowing you need salt to cook or bait to fish. Common sense."

The fact that she called such advanced knowledge "common sense" nearly made Ethan drop to his knees in admiration.

Nearby, Adrian Castillo and Ryan Sullivan returned with their team, administering alkaline water to the poisoned staff.

Within minutes, the vomiting stopped, and the abdominal pain faded. Though some still felt dizzy, the antidote had worked like a miracle.

Ryan approached Liam respectfully, offering the solution. "General Blackwood, this works. Please give it to Ms. Dawson."

Victoria clenched her teeth, furious that Evelyn had stolen the spotlight. "I won't drink that!"

Liam frowned. "Why not?"

Victoria burst into dramatic tears. "Liam, I refuse to take some random concoction! Evelyn didn’t even finish middle school—she’s practically illiterate! There’s no way she knows anything about this!"

If Evelyn hadn’t graduated middle school, that meant she only had an elementary education. The room buzzed with shock, some casting disdainful glances her way.

Evelyn’s chest ached, but she kept her composure. "I see Ms. Dawson has principles. After all, a person of integrity would never accept charity from someone they despise."

She flashed a cool smile. "Stay strong, Ms. Dawson. I’m rooting for you."

With that, she turned and walked away, her slender figure disappearing into the distance, radiating quiet sorrow.

Victoria pouted. "Liam, what did she mean by that?"

Liam’s expression darkened. He said nothing.

Could she really not understand such a simple remark?

Ryan sighed and explained patiently, "Ms. Dawson, Madam implied that if you think she’s beneath you, then you shouldn’t accept her help. Like a proud beggar refusing food from someone they dislike."

Victoria gasped dramatically. "Liam! She insulted me! She called me a beggar!" She collapsed onto the bed, sobbing.

The room fell into awkward silence.

Liam was more preoccupied with the destroyed Azurium and Rhenium—especially the latter, which was nearly impossible to replace. A headache pulsed at his temples.

He massaged his brow and ordered coldly, "Ryan, make sure she drinks it." Then he strode out without another word.

Victoria shrieked after him. "Liam! Wait! I feel awful! You can’t leave me like this!"

He didn’t slow down. If anything, his steps quickened.

After the mess Victoria had caused, everyone was growing tired of her theatrics.

Once Liam left, the room emptied quickly. Doctors tended to other patients, while Ethan and his team cleaned the lab.

Adrian cast Victoria one last glance before following Liam.

Only Ryan remained, holding the glass with a resigned expression. "Ms. Dawson, General Blackwood has enough to deal with. Don’t make it harder. Just drink this."

Realizing no one was indulging her anymore, Victoria snatched the glass and gulped it down weakly.

Ryan exhaled in relief.

A thought nagged at him. Was this really the woman Liam had been infatuated with for over a decade?

His taste was… questionable. Compared to Evelyn, Victoria didn’t stand a chance.