Chapter 241

The morning sun cast golden rays through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Blackwood Manor. Evelyn Carter stood by the grand piano, her fingers tracing the polished ebony keys without pressing them. The silence felt heavier than usual today.

A sharp knock interrupted her thoughts. Ryan Sullivan entered with military precision, his boots clicking against the marble floor. "Ma'am, the General requests your presence in the war room."

Her pulse quickened. Liam Blackwood only used the war room for matters of extreme importance. "Did he say why?"

Ryan's jaw tightened. "The situation in Valtoria has escalated. Obsidian Circle operatives were spotted near the border."

Evelyn's stomach dropped. She'd hoped her past with that organization was buried forever. The scar on her wrist throbbed as if in reminder. "Tell him I'll be right there."

As Ryan departed, Evelyn caught her reflection in the antique mirror. The woman staring back barely resembled the frightened girl who'd escaped Shadowmire Island five years ago. Yet some shadows never fade.

She smoothed her emerald green dress - Liam's favorite color - and headed for the east wing. The manor's security system beeped as it scanned her retina before granting access to the restricted corridor.

Inside the war room, Liam stood before a holographic map of Aldenria, his broad shoulders tense beneath the uniform. Adrian Castillo hovered near the communications array, his expression unreadable.

Liam turned, his storm-gray eyes locking onto hers. "We have a problem."

The hologram zoomed in to show a convoy of black vehicles crossing into Solterra. Evelyn's breath hitched. "That's Julian Whitmore's insignia."

"Indeed." Liam tapped the console, bringing up surveillance footage. "He's transporting something - or someone - of great value to Obsidian Circle."

The video showed a hooded figure being escorted into a fortified compound. Even through the grainy footage, Evelyn recognized the distinctive limp of her former mentor. "That's Cassandra Wright."

Adrian cleared his throat. "Our intelligence suggests she's developed a new chemical weapon. One that could destabilize the entire region."

Liam's hand found Evelyn's, his calloused fingers intertwining with hers. "We need to move before they complete the transfer."

Evelyn studied the tactical display, her mind racing through possibilities. "We can intercept them at the border checkpoint. But we'll need inside help."

Ryan stepped forward. "I've already contacted our asset in Solterra. He's standing by."

A notification pinged on Liam's tablet. His expression darkened as he read the message. "It's from Victoria Dawson. She claims to have critical information about the operation."

Evelyn's nails dug into her palms. The woman who'd stolen her identity years ago was the last person she trusted. "It's a trap."

"Probably." Liam's mouth set in a grim line. "But we can't afford to ignore any leads."

The overhead lights flickered as the manor's security system initiated a protocol change. Adrian's hand drifted toward his sidearm. "We're being hacked."

Evelyn rushed to the main console as lines of code scrolled across the screens. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, countering the intrusion. "Someone's trying to access our defense grid."

Liam barked orders into his comm unit. "Lock down all systems! Initiate countermeasures!"

The holographic map dissolved into static before reforming to display a single message in crimson letters: "Tick tock, Evelyn. The past always comes due."

The screen went black. In the sudden silence, Evelyn could hear her own heartbeat pounding in her ears. Julian Whitmore's voice, though synthesized, was unmistakable.

Ryan swore under his breath. "How did they penetrate our firewalls?"

Liam's gaze never left Evelyn's face. "Because they have inside help."

Adrian stiffened. "You can't possibly think-"

"I think," Liam interrupted, "that we have a traitor in our midst." His thumb brushed the scar on Evelyn's wrist - the one matching the brand all Obsidian Circle operatives bore. "And I intend to find out who."

Liam's warm gaze lingered on Evelyn's delicate features. His voice was gentle yet firm as he spoke, "Cassandra, let's not force things. While I'd love for you to regain your memories, we can't risk lives for it."

"Please find me the top neurosurgeon," Evelyn implored, her eyes shimmering with hope as she blinked up at him.

Liam shook his head decisively. He wouldn't allow even a fraction of a percent risk to her safety.

"Let's talk about this later," Liam smoothly changed the subject. "You must be hungry. Shall we have dinner together?"

Evelyn nodded in agreement. Liam stood and reached for her hand.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

The housekeeper rushed to answer it, then turned back with nervous energy. "Mr. Blackwood, President Pierce and his secretary are here."

They exchanged a glance. Liam tenderly brushed Evelyn's hair and murmured, "Go ahead and start dinner. I'll attend to the President."

Evelyn nodded understandingly.

As the maid opened the door, Harrison strode in with thunderous authority, brushing past Liam without acknowledgment and heading straight for the study.

Liam greeted politely, "Mr. President, you—"

Before he could finish, Harrison stormed past him, radiating fury. Liam had no choice but to follow into the study.

Meanwhile, Evelyn made her way to the dining table, casting anxious glances toward the study. The secretary stood guard outside like a stone sentinel, intensifying the tension.

Her stomach twisted with worry as she waited, fearing repercussions Liam might face.

In the study, Harrison collapsed onto the sofa, barely containing his rage. "I don't believe a word of that missile malfunction report you presented."

"Now that we're alone, tell me the truth. What really happened?"

Liam sat across from him, maintaining perfect composure. "Would you like some coffee?"

Harrison's expression darkened further, his hands gripping his knees, chest heaving. "Liam, don't play games with me. The Edge Mark 1's technology is flawless. There's no possible data error, let alone this catastrophic deviation."

"A missile meant for unpopulated desert lands in a neighboring country? You've truly outdone yourself this time!"

"You've shamed our entire nation. Have you seen the international outcry? The condemnations? Do you feel no remorse?" Harrison's voice shook with fury.

Liam met his gaze steadily, speaking with measured calm. "Missile failures aren't unprecedented. Is national pride truly that important?"

Harrison slammed the table, leaping to his feet, his face dark as storm clouds.

"Who do you think you are, Liam? As Aldenria's Defense General, you have no right to such words!"

"Do you understand how we were trampled when we lacked missiles and advanced weapons? Our lands, our hills, our dignity—all stolen from us! Don't you see?"

"We endured sanctions, oppression, humiliation—all because we couldn't defend ourselves. Our military was weak, our defenses outdated, our strength insufficient."

Harrison's fists clenched, veins bulging, eyes glistening with frustrated tears. "Our once-proud missiles have become a global joke! Is that meaningless to you? Are you saying Aldenria is defenseless? That we can be bullied at will? Is that what you mean?"

Seeing the tears in Harrison's eyes, Liam felt a pang of sorrow. Yet he regretted nothing.

"Harrison, you know exactly what Valtoria has been doing these years."