Chapter 308

The military base's broad avenues were strewn with relief supplies for the displaced. Throngs of volunteers and soldiers moved urgently through the chaos.

Evelyn Carter and Rosalind Baskins stepped out of their armored vehicle, determination sharp in their gazes. The air smelled of dust and antiseptic.

"Liam." The voice was honeyed yet commanding. Victoria Hudson approached in full tactical gear, her focus solely on Liam Blackwood. "You're back already? Any breakthroughs?"

Her expression hardened when she noticed Evelyn. "Why is she here?"

Liam glanced at Evelyn before responding. "Appreciate you cutting your leave short for this. We need all hands."

"Of course. National security comes first." Victoria's tone softened only for him. Then, with a dismissive flick of her wrist toward Evelyn: "And her? Here to play damsel in distress?"

Evelyn's nails bit into her palms at their easy familiarity. She forced a polite smile. "Ms. Hudson. I'm here to assist."

Victoria's laugh was razor-thin. "With those delicate hands? You'll just slow us down."

Rosalind surged forward, fury darkening her features—but Evelyn caught her arm.

Liam noted the tension but prioritized the crisis. "Briefing's starting. Move out."

As they walked, Victoria suddenly winced, cradling her left arm.

"Injury?" Liam's concern was immediate.

"Just overworked since last night's op. It's nothing."

"Ryan," Liam called to his subordinate. "Escort her to medics."

Victoria gripped Liam's forearm. "Don't be ridiculous. A Blackwood wouldn't waste resources on a muscle strain." She flashed a brilliant smile, fingers lingering on his sleeve.

Evelyn watched them walk ahead—shoulders brushing, heads inclined in private conversation. Each shared laugh felt like shrapnel in her chest.

Victoria made sure to "accidentally" touch Liam twice more before he finally glanced back. Evelyn's mask of indifference had cracked; raw hurt flickered beneath.

He'd never seen her jealous before.

Victoria's voice pulled him away. "Did the Aldenrian specialists arrive?"

Liam quickened his pace. "Two full teams. They're prepping at the east wing."

Their voices faded as the crowd swallowed Evelyn and Rosalind. By the time they reached the elevator bank, the steel doors were already closing on Liam and Victoria's silhouettes.

Rosalind punched the wall. "That ice queen—"

Evelyn stared at the descending floor numbers. "We have work to do." Her voice didn't shake. She wouldn't let it.

The elevator dinged softly, as if mocking her resolve.