Chapter 277

Evelyn stepped out of Blackwood Manor, her suitcase wheels scraping against the cobblestone path.

Rosalind emerged from the sleek black sedan, swiftly taking the luggage and loading it into the trunk.

Sliding into the passenger seat, Evelyn gazed at the sprawling estate through the tinted windows. Unexpected tears blurred her vision as a strange heaviness settled in her chest.

Each breath felt like swallowing shards of glass. The memory of Liam haunted her like a persistent ghost.

Rosalind started the engine, the purr of the luxury car vibrating through the seats. "Evelyn, when are we returning to Solterra?" she asked, adjusting the rearview mirror.

Evelyn kept her eyes fixed on the disappearing mansion. "Did you file the report already?" Her voice was deceptively calm.

"Yes," Rosalind admitted, fingers tightening on the steering wheel. "Solterra needs you. They're expecting your immediate return."

A bitter smile twisted Evelyn's lips as she exhaled sharply. "You shouldn't have been so hasty."

"Why not?"

"There are matters here that require my attention. This isn't something that can be resolved overnight."

Rosalind merged onto the highway. "The government won't pressure you for an immediate return."

Evelyn rested her temple against the cool window. "No one can force me, true. But have you considered the spies in Solterra?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "What happens if news of my survival leaks?"

Rosalind's knuckles turned white. The realization of her mistake hit like a physical blow. "W-what do we do now?" she stammered, panic creeping into her voice.

Evelyn pulled out her phone, scrolling with practiced indifference. "We adapt. One step at a time."

"What's our first move?"

"Money." Evelyn's fingers flew across the screen. "We need to settle debts before anything else."

Rosalind nodded, though finances were the least of her concerns. Solterra's government would fund them indefinitely - but that would leave a paper trail. For now, they needed to rely on Evelyn's resources.

Evelyn accessed a dormant cloud account, untouched for three years. After a brief search, she transferred files to Rosalind's device.

"I've uploaded translated versions of my chemistry manuscript," Evelyn explained, setting her phone aside. "Six languages. They should fetch a decent price."

Rosalind knew about Evelyn's side projects - the academic translations between weapons development and her sporadic art donations.

"How much per copy?"

Evelyn frowned in thought. "The Aldenrian edition I did previously sold for six figures. Negotiate with publishers for current rates."

"Understood." Rosalind hesitated. "Why not sell your paintings instead? A single canvas could cover all debts."

Evelyn shook her head firmly. "Art proceeds go to charity."

"Then what about-"

"Military blueprints?" Evelyn's glare could melt steel. "Have you lost your mind? I don't need fortunes - just enough to survive."

Rosalind shrank in her seat. "I only meant-"

"How about I sell hydronium formulas instead?" Evelyn's laugh was razor-sharp. "I could buy Valtoria by sundown."

"That's not what I meant!" Rosalind's voice pitched higher. "I'm just worried about your situation. You still owe Liam six hundred thousand."

Evelyn's shoulders relaxed marginally. "I've survived worse."

"You've endured enough these past three years."

"Every scar teaches a lesson."

Silence filled the car.

One week later.

Liam lay in his hospital bed when his phone chimed. The notification showed a deposit - six hundred thousand cleared.

He stared at the screen, confusion knitting his brow.

The phone rang moments later. "Hello?" His voice was rough from disuse.

In her modest apartment, Evelyn clutched a worn teddy bear to her chest. Her pulse roared in her ears as she finally heard the voice she'd dreamed of for years. "Liam... it's me."