Chapter 325

Rosalind answered curtly, "It's a research facility."

"What sort of research facility?" Liam demanded.

"Just a regular one. I'm her personal aide, not her research assistant."

With each passing moment, Liam's pulse quickened. His fingers tightened around the armrest as he pressed further, "Then where is her research assistant?"

Rosalind's expression darkened. "He's deceased."

"Her assistant was that renowned elderly professor, correct?"

Rosalind's eyes widened in shock. She scrutinized Liam intensely, her unspoken question hanging in the air. For several heartbeats, she stood frozen, offering no reply.

The truth became evident to Liam from Rosalind's reaction. Even without verbal confirmation, the pieces fell into place. Yet without concrete proof, his mind refused to accept the horrifying possibility.

A sharp rap at the office door shattered the tense silence.

"Enter," Liam commanded.

Ryan burst in, his breathing ragged. "General Blackwood, we've located her."

Liam shot to his feet. In one fluid motion, he retrieved a pistol from his desk drawer and stormed out.

Seeing the weapon, Rosalind hesitated only momentarily before rushing after him.

A convoy of armored vehicles screeched to a halt before an opulent private estate.

The security guard moved to intercept the imposing group, but paled when weapons were drawn. The gates swung open immediately.

Liam led the charge into the mansion's grand foyer, his sharp gaze sweeping the lavish surroundings. Rosalind trailed behind, positioning herself at the rear of the group.

"Who dares trespass here?" A maid appeared, her voice trembling with outrage.

Ryan's icy glare silenced her. "Summon Julian. Now."

Before the maid could respond, Julian materialized on the second-floor balcony, hands casually tucked in his pockets. He regarded Liam with calculated calmness from his elevated position.

Liam's head snapped up, their gazes locking in a silent battle of wills. The air crackled with tension.

"Liam," Julian feigned surprise, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "To what do I owe this... military invasion?"

Liam's voice dropped to a dangerous timbre. "Where's Evelyn?"

Julian chuckled darkly. "While Evelyn is my former lover and currently resides at Wright Manor, our relationship isn't as intimate as you imagine." He spread his hands theatrically. "If you're seeking her, why come to me?"

Rosalind could no longer contain herself. She surged forward, finger jabbing accusingly. "Release Cassandra immediately, or you'll regret it!"

Julian descended the staircase with infuriating leisure. "I've no idea what you're implying," he said with exaggerated confusion.

"Don't play dumb! She vanished after leaving here this morning. Your vehicle was the only one that departed Wright Manor all day!" Rosalind's voice shook with fury.

"Allegations require proof," Julian countered smoothly. "Where's yours?"

Rosalind's fists clenched until her knuckles whitened. "Then let us search the premises. We'll find her."

Julian settled onto a plush sofa with deliberate casualness. "No warrant, no search." His smirk widened as he addressed Liam. "Unless you'd like to violate protocol, General?"

Rosalind trembled with the urge to strike him. If not for Julian's machinations years ago, Cassandra wouldn't have lost her memories. Her family wouldn't have disappeared.

"Cassandra! Cassandra!" Rosalind shouted desperately. "Can you hear me? Make any sound!"

Liam moved beside her, his voice a controlled whisper. "Enough. Remember his profession."

Understanding dawned on Rosalind, and she fell silent, though her eyes burned with unshed tears.