Chapter 23

Hydronium was the deadliest bioweapon known to mankind. Possessing even a gram of this substance could make any nation invincible.

When combined with ultrasonic waves, hydronium could silently eliminate half the world's population within two hours. No pain. No warning.

Every government was desperate to acquire it.

The bidding wars had reached astronomical levels - five billion dollars per gram was the current market price.

The lively discussion in the living room suddenly fell silent.

Evelyn entered carrying a silver tea tray. She found Liam engrossed in reviewing the Project Foghunt files.

With graceful movements, she set the tray on the mahogany coffee table and knelt beside it. Her practiced hands arranged the delicate china with precision.

The porcelain clinked softly as she poured the steaming amber liquid. The rhythmic sound held everyone's attention captive.

Even Liam found himself distracted from his reading, drawn to watch her elegant ritual.

"Your tea, Mr. President," Evelyn offered the first cup to Harrison Pierce with a polite smile.

Harrison's face lit up as he accepted the cup. "Ah! This must be that rare Earl Grey blend I gifted General Blackwood last month. Exquisite but rather bitter, don't you think?"

"Try this cup," Evelyn suggested gently. "I believe you'll find the flavor more balanced."

The President took a cautious sip, then beamed. "Remarkable! You've worked magic with these leaves, Mrs. Blackwood."

The other officials murmured similar praises as they sampled their tea.

When Evelyn finally served Liam, he noticed something different immediately. The delicate aroma rising from his cup was unlike anything he'd experienced before.

The first sip confirmed it - perfectly balanced flavors danced across his palate. Just the right amount of bergamot, with a whisper of honeyed sweetness. The finish lingered pleasantly.

It wasn't just the quality of the tea leaves that impressed him. Evelyn's brewing technique was nothing short of artistry.

After serving a second round, Evelyn quietly excused herself.

Once she'd left, Harrison leaned forward curiously. "Your wife has remarkable poise, General. She carries herself like royalty."

Liam's brow furrowed slightly. "She's just an ordinary woman from a middle-class family."

Harrison shook his head knowingly. "I've met enough aristocrats to recognize breeding when I see it. That woman is anything but ordinary." He drained his cup and reached for the pot. "Would she consider giving my aide some tea-making lessons? The boy ruins every decent blend I acquire."

"I'll mention it," Liam replied diplomatically.

Outside, Evelyn wandered into the sun-dappled garden. She sank into a wrought-iron chair, tilting her face toward the golden light.

The warmth seeped into her skin as her eyelids grew heavy. Before she realized it, she'd drifted into a light doze.

Liam saw his guests to the gate. Upon returning, he discovered Evelyn asleep in the garden, her cheeks flushed pink from the sun.

He studied her peaceful expression for a long moment.

Noticing the security post nearby, he retrieved a large parasol and positioned it to shade her sleeping form.

A gentle breeze stirred the rose bushes as Evelyn awoke. Her arm tingled from being bent at an awkward angle. As she stretched, she noticed the unexpected shade above her.

Then she smelled it - the earthy aroma of burning sage in a small dish beneath her chair, keeping insects at bay.

Her heart swelled with unexpected warmth. She glanced around the empty garden, wondering which thoughtful soul had tended to her comfort.