Chapter 327

Julian stepped into the dimly lit study, his fingers clicking the lock shut with deliberate precision. His eyes darted across the room like a predator scanning its territory before settling on the antique bookshelf.

With practiced ease, he swept aside a row of leather-bound volumes, revealing a concealed button nestled in the mahogany paneling. The moment his finger made contact, the entire bookshelf parted with a whisper of hidden mechanisms.

The secret chamber beyond glowed with sterile white lighting, its clinical brightness a stark contrast to the study's warm tones. The bookshelf slid back into place behind him, sealing him inside this private sanctuary.

Evelyn lay motionless on the medical bed, her limbs heavy with sedatives. Her eyelashes fluttered weakly against pale cheeks as she fought the chemical fog clouding her mind. Every attempt to focus sent waves of nausea through her system.

"Poor little songbird," Julian murmured as he approached, his fingers making quick work of the restraints at her wrists. "Did you enjoy our little performance earlier?"

Her lips parted soundlessly, the words dying before they could form. The drugs had reduced her to little more than a breathing doll, her consciousness trapped behind unresponsive flesh.

"Your precious Liam came searching for you," Julian continued, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "But even with all his military resources, he'll never think to look here. How deliciously ironic - the great General Blackwood, brought to his knees by a woman."

He trailed a finger down her bare arm, pausing at the faint surgical scar. "Tell me, Evelyn darling, do you remember anything about this?" His touch turned clinical as he examined the nearly invisible mark. "About the little technological secret hidden beneath your skin?"

Tears welled in Evelyn's glassy eyes as she gave the slightest shake of her head. She knew about the standard monitoring chip - every Solterra researcher carried one. But something in Julian's tone suggested there had been more.

"Nothing at all?" Julian pressed, his fingers tightening slightly. "No memories of special projects? No late-night sessions in restricted labs?" When she remained silent, his lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Perfect."

His hands grew bolder, sliding the straps of her gown from her shoulders. The fabric pooled around her waist as he studied her with clinical detachment. "Has Liam touched you like this?" he asked, his voice thick with perverse curiosity.

Evelyn's breath hitched, her body trembling with the effort to recoil. The drugs kept her paralyzed, but her eyes screamed with raw terror.

"Shhh," Julian soothed, catching a tear with his thumb. "There's no need for that. Soon you'll come to appreciate my touch." He leaned closer, his breath hot against her cheek. "I can be very... persuasive."

His lips brushed her tear-streaked skin, trailing toward her mouth. Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut, her entire being recoiling from the violation.

Then - impact.

The sudden crash of bodies sent Evelyn's eyes flying open. Liam stood over Julian, his fist connecting with the doctor's jaw in a satisfying crunch of bone meeting bone. The general's face was a mask of primal fury, his military precision replaced by raw, protective rage.

"You," Liam growled, hauling Julian up by his collar, "are going to regret every second you spent in this room."