Chapter 313

The entire research team stood in stunned silence. Through Evelyn Carter and the specialists' tireless efforts, an environmental crisis that should have required over a month to resolve was completely eradicated in just five days.

Representatives from Aldenria and international journalists swarmed the military base. Yet, only a single press officer was dispatched to handle the media frenzy.

Both the mechanical engineering and chemical research divisions now regarded Evelyn as their undisputed legend.

Every time she entered the mess hall, Evelyn found herself surrounded by eager scientists. A barrage of questions rained down on her.

Except for details about her identity and past, Evelyn answered every inquiry with unwavering honesty. Gradually, the specialists realized this seemingly soft-spoken woman was anything but ordinary.

Despite her youth, her depth of knowledge and expertise rivaled that of veteran professors.

Ryan Sullivan burst into Liam Blackwood’s office, urgency etched across his face. "General Blackwood."

Liam leaned back in his chair, eyes closed in exhaustion. "What is it?"

Ryan pressed on, "General Blackwood, Cassandra Wright is a Solterran. She studied chemistry at Solterra National Defense University. But beyond that, her background remains a mystery."

Liam responded with a weary hum, clearly drained from days of relentless work.

"General Blackwood, all the chemistry professors now vouch for her extraordinary abilities. They consider her a rare prodigy and are begging you to keep her at the base."

Liam frowned. "She divorced me without taking a cent. Her grandfather is the wealthiest man in Aldenria, yet she refuses to acknowledge him or inherit his fortune. How am I supposed to retain someone who couldn’t care less about money?"

After a brief pause, Ryan added, "General Blackwood, there’s more."

"What now?"

Ryan continued, "The engineers from the Armaments Division report that Ms. Carter effortlessly deciphers their blueprints. She even identified flaws in an automatic handwheel and proposed improvements."

"The resulting prototypes, refined based on her suggestions, have exceeded all standards with unmatched precision."

Liam’s eyes snapped open, his expression a mix of exhaustion and sharp intensity.

Equally stunned, Ryan whispered, "General Blackwood, I’m starting to worry. She doesn’t seem to be just Evelyn Carter or Cassandra Wright. She’s far more formidable than we imagined."

Liam grabbed his phone and stood. "Where is she?"

"She’s packing. She might leave today," Ryan replied, following him.

As they strode down the hall, Liam ordered, "Have security stop her. Don’t let her leave yet."

"Understood." Ryan quickly dialed a number.

Inside the dormitory, Rosalind Baskins was packing while Evelyn lounged on the couch, munching an apple while flipping through blueprints.

After scanning them, she chuckled. "This pistol performs well, but it’s hideous."

Rosalind zipped her suitcase shut. "Evelyn, enough. You’ve already helped them enough. Don’t forget—you signed a 15-year contract. Your skills belong to Solterra."

Evelyn nodded. "I know."

"What about the report on the Azurium machine and production tech? Have you thought about how to submit it?" Rosalind asked.

Evelyn shrugged. "Handle it however you want. Whatever punishment they give, I’ll accept it."

Rosalind sighed. "You’re too arrogant. You know Solterra values talent and won’t let you go easily. Yet you act so recklessly."

Evelyn smirked. "You think they’ll terminate my contract early?"

Rosalind scoffed. "Dream on. When the 15 years end, they’ll push for a lifetime contract. They won’t risk losing someone like you."

Evelyn took another bite. "The world is full of talent. I’m just one of many. Nothing irreplaceable about me."

Meanwhile, Liam and Ryan stood frozen at the doorway. Liam’s hand hovered mid-air, too stunned to knock.