Chapter 362

"Liam and I were never truly a couple, Grandma. So how can you claim to have broken us apart?" Evelyn questioned.

"I caused your divorce," Margaret admitted.

"That marriage wasn't even legally registered in my name. It was invalid from the start."

Margaret still insisted. "But you and Liam were married for over six months, you—"

Evelyn cut her off. "It was a marriage in name only. We hadn't been functioning as a couple for most of that time."

Margaret stared at Evelyn with wide eyes. Evelyn maintained her composure, picking up a scone and taking a delicate bite before offering one to her grandmother.

"Liam and I can't be together."

"Why not? You love each other! You understand each other perfectly! You're meant to be!"

Evelyn leaned against Margaret's shoulder, closing her eyes. "Grandma, I'll explain everything later."

"You two—after six months of marriage, you never even... Is Liam incapable in bed?" Margaret asked with genuine concern.

"That's not it, Grandma. Please don't jump to conclusions," Evelyn sighed.

"Then it must be another woman! I'll have words with that boy—" Margaret's hands clenched into fists.

"No! Don't confront him." Evelyn's voice held sudden panic.

Margaret fell silent, already plotting ways to reunite them.

Meanwhile, at Royal Heights, Harrison Pierce's hands trembled as he studied the report. "Remarkable! Absolutely remarkable! We've finally located Cassandra Wright. Excellent work, General Blackwood. But why is there no photograph?"

"She's a high-value target. Photographic evidence could endanger her safety," Liam responded calmly.

Harrison understood military protocols. "What's your next move? Can you convince her to return to Aldenria?"

"She's Aldenrian by birth. She only became Solterran to gain access to their research facilities. She wouldn't have qualified otherwise."

"That simplifies matters. With her knowledge, she should serve her homeland!"

Liam shook his head. "Researchers aren't soldiers. National pride doesn't drive them."

"This is from N?velDrama.Org."

"Science knows no borders. Researchers care only about advancing human knowledge, regardless of location."

"Furthermore, Solterra possesses superior resources and technology. Returning would mean abandoning years of research. For someone like her, starting over would be worse than death."

"So you're saying she can't bring her hydronium research with her?" Harrison pressed.

"Impossible."

After consideration, Harrison declared, "We must try anyway. She's a world-class chemist and top military engineer. Even without hydronium, her potential is limitless."

"She's bound by a five-year contract." Liam's tone darkened.

"With Solterra?"

A nod.

"What are the terms? The penalties for breaking it?"

"Unknown."

"Find out."

"I will."

"How can I send negotiators when I don't even know what she looks like or where she lives? This report gives me nothing."

"Forgive me, Mr. President. Her safety depends on secrecy," Liam replied.