Chapter 191

Evelyn lowered her gaze with a tired sigh. "It's fine. I don't have any pressing work anyway. Might as well treat this as an unplanned vacation and return in a few days."

Ryan glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "Why don't you rest a while longer, Mrs. Blackwood? We'll arrive at the base in about an hour."

Suddenly remembering Adrian's condition, she sat up straighter. "How's Adrian? Are his injuries life-threatening?"

Ryan's expression darkened instantly. "Quite severe, but he's stable now. General Blackwood is personally overseeing his care at the military hospital."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected Liam to show such concern for a subordinate. "What exactly happened?"

The car hit a bump as Ryan gathered his thoughts. "We lost a shipment of advanced weaponry during transport to the base. Adrian was leading the investigation."

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "Three days ago, he traced the weapons to drug cartel operatives in Valtoria. Went undercover posing as a buyer with another operative."

Ryan's voice cracked. "Their cover got blown. The other soldier... he sacrificed himself to get Adrian out alive."

Evelyn's nails dug into her seat. "Why not just raid their entire operation? Those monsters deserve worse than death, weapons or not."

"Politics," Ryan spat bitterly. "If this happened in Aldenria, we could've leveled their compound. But on foreign soil? We need irrefutable evidence before acting."

The reality of the situation settled heavily on Evelyn's shoulders. She felt useless, unable to help despite her rising anger.

They arrived at Aldenria Military Base well past midnight. Ryan escorted her to Liam's private quarters - protocol for military spouses.

At 4 AM, the compound stood eerily silent. Dim security lights cast long shadows across empty walkways. Only the occasional cricket chirp interrupted the stillness.

The door creaked open then clicked shut behind her. Moonlight filtered through the blinds, painting silver stripes across the dark bedroom.

Exhausted, Evelyn collapsed onto the large bed without bothering to change. Sleep claimed her instantly.

The mattress dipped suddenly. A muscular figure slumped onto the bed, hands cradling his forehead. The weight of the world seemed to press down on his broad shoulders.

Then he fell backward - directly onto a soft, warm body.

"Oof!" A feminine gasp pierced the silence.

Liam sprang up like electrocuted. His sharp eyes locked onto the unexpected occupant in his bed.

Evelyn clutched her stomach where his elbow had landed. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she squinted at the silhouette looming over her.

Moonlight revealed enough for mutual recognition.

Both froze.

Why was Liam here? Hadn't Ryan said he was in Aldenria with Adrian?

Her pulse raced as she struggled for words.

Liam broke the tense silence first. "What are you doing here? Did I hurt you?"

"No," she whispered, pulling the blanket higher. "I fell asleep during the drive. Ryan must have assumed you'd want me brought directly here."

A relieved smirk tugged at Liam's lips. "Since you're already here, you might as well stay a few days. I'll be too busy with this weapons situation to finalize our divorce paperwork anyway."