Chapter 22

Evelyn Carter shut her eyelids tight, drawing in a ragged breath. She attempted to push down the anguish rising in her chest, but the pain was simply too much.

Tears escaped against her will, tracing hot paths down her cheeks.

Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

At dawn's first light, Evelyn rose from bed. After freshening up, she stepped out of her bedroom chamber.

Her breath caught when she spotted the distinguished visitors occupying the living room sofa - their weighty conversation halting abruptly at her unexpected entrance.

Curious gazes turned toward her.

Liam Blackwood stood smoothly. "President Pierce, may I present my wife, Evelyn Carter."

Harrison Pierce, leader of Aldenria, was a distinguished gentleman in his mid-fifties. His eyes held a warmth that softened his presidential demeanor.

Evelyn blinked in surprise at Liam's casual introduction. Perhaps he saw no reason to conceal their relationship from the nation's leader.

With nervous hands, she approached Harrison and dipped her head respectfully. "Good morning, Mr. President. Good morning to you all."

"Mrs. Blackwood." Harrison extended his hand.

Startled by the gesture, Evelyn accepted his handshake.

Harrison's lips curved. "I've often wondered why Liam remained immune to my daughter's charms. Seeing you now, I understand completely - she simply couldn't compare."

Liam's icy gaze flicked to Evelyn. He noted, not for the first time, how her natural beauty required no artificial enhancements. There was an ethereal quality to her melancholy expression that made her appear softer, more refined than society's polished debutantes.

Most crucially, every aspect of her beauty was authentic - no surgeon's knife had touched her delicate features.

"You flatter me excessively, Mr. President," Evelyn demurred with an awkward laugh. "I'm quite ordinary compared to your accomplished daughter."

The other gentlemen exchanged amused glances.

Evelyn noted the bare coffee table - no refreshments in sight. Clearly, business had taken precedence over hospitality. "Please allow me to prepare some tea," she offered.

"No need for formalities, Mrs. Blackwood," Harrison declined politely.

Evelyn smiled and nodded, yet still retreated toward the kitchen. Proper hosting demanded certain courtesies, regardless of the guests' protests.

Entering the kitchen, she realized the partition allowed sound to travel freely from the living area. She could still hear fragments of their discussion.

Searching for teacups, she instead discovered an exquisite porcelain set alongside premium tea leaves.

Just then, Harrison's voice carried clearly: "Project Shadowhunt has run three years without progress. Given your global resources, I'm hoping you can assist. Finding this individual is critical - not just for weapons advancement, but national security."

Another man added, "Every nation seeks this person. They possess the world's only known supply of hydronium - fifty grams. More importantly, they alone understand how to handle it."

"I'm familiar with the target, Mr. President," Liam responded. "I've pursued this lead for three years."

Evelyn froze, her blood turning to ice.

Hydronium?

That was an extraordinarily volatile compound.