Chapter 314

Liam Blackwood emerged from the dormitory with Ryan Sullivan by his side.

The deserted roadside stretched before them as Liam came to an abrupt stop. His piercing gaze fixed on the distant horizon, shadows dancing in his storm-gray eyes.

Ryan tilted his head. "General Blackwood, why not confront her directly?"

A bitter chuckle escaped Liam's lips. "Confront her about what?"

"She clearly stated she's a scientist from Solterra with a fifteen-year contract," Ryan explained, adjusting his military cap.

Liam's smile faded as he turned fully toward Ryan, the weight of unspoken truths dimming his usual commanding presence. "Do you comprehend what such a long-term commitment means for a scientist of her caliber?"

Ryan shook his head slowly.

After a heavy silence, Liam's voice dropped to a confidential tone. "What we witnessed today never leaves this circle. Not a single word."

"Understood, General," Ryan replied, though his curiosity about Evelyn's scientific prowess burned brighter than ever.

Liam glanced back at the dormitory building, his jaw tightening before issuing orders. "You and Adrian remain here to oversee operations. I'm returning to Aldenria."

"Yes, sir," Ryan responded immediately.

"Go," Liam commanded with a dismissive wave.

Ryan offered a crisp salute before turning on his heel.

Liam stood motionless, his military boots planted firmly on the pavement as he awaited the inevitable.

Exactly ten minutes later, Evelyn Carter and Rosalind Baskins exited the building. Evelyn froze mid-step when she spotted Liam, her radiant smile dissolving into something more guarded.

Their eyes locked for a charged moment.

Evelyn approached cautiously while Rosalind marched straight to their waiting vehicle, loading luggage with practiced efficiency.

"Liam," Evelyn greeted, her voice softening in that peculiar way it always did around him - all shy glances and nervous fingers plucking at her sweater sleeves.

His expression gentled. "Returning to Aldenria?"

She studied the pavement. "Yes."

"Perfect timing. Mind if I hitch a ride?" Liam asked casually, though his knuckles whitened around his duffel strap.

Evelyn's head snapped up in surprise.

Liam gave her a lazy half-smile. "Everyone's occupied. No available drivers."

"I- You could- That is..." Evelyn stammered, her cheeks flushing pink. "It's not that I don't want to, it's just..."

Liam's smooth baritone cut through her flustered explanation. "I've been running on three hours of sleep for days. Probably shouldn't be behind the wheel."

Evelyn's thoughts whirled. Every logical instinct warned against prolonged proximity to Liam Blackwood, yet some traitorous part of her thrilled at the prospect of sharing the confined space.

"Evelyn, let's go," Rosalind called from the driver's seat, having finished loading.

Evelyn turned. "Rosalind, General Blackwood will be joining us."

Rosalind's eyebrows shot up before schooling her features into professional neutrality. "General, please get in."

Liam moved to open the rear passenger door, holding it expectantly. But Evelyn had already claimed the front seat, buckling herself in with deliberate focus.

For a heartbeat, Liam remained frozen, then with a quiet exhale, folded his tall frame into the backseat.

As the car pulled forward, they halted at the compound's security checkpoint for clearance verification.

A sharp rap on the window startled them.

Evelyn lowered the glass to reveal Victoria Hudson standing outside, designer suitcase in tow, her gaze flickering past Evelyn to Liam in the back.

"Ms. Hudson?" Evelyn forced polite curiosity into her voice.

Victoria's smile could have melted glaciers. "All returning to Aldenria?"

Evelyn nodded. "Yes."

Victoria's grin widened. "Would you terribly mind a third passenger? Save me the dreadful commercial flight."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. A thousand refusals crowded her throat, but none polite enough to voice.