Chapter 363

"Not even I have clearance for that information?" Harrison Pierce frowned deeply.

"I'll persuade her to join Aldenria," Liam Blackwood stated firmly.

"Excellent. Then I'll leave this in your capable hands. We can't afford to lose this once-in-a-century genius—our nation's future depends on it." Harrison sighed heavily.

Several days later, as the golden hues of dusk painted the sky, warmth lingered in the air.

The living room of Wright Manor was so silent that even the faintest sound would echo. Evelyn Carter reclined on the sofa, completely engrossed in a book detailing complex mechanical schematics.

"Cassandra! Cassandra, guess who's here!" Margaret Hoffis's cheerful voice shattered Evelyn's concentration.

She turned toward the doorway just as Margaret burst in, her smile radiant. Close behind her was Liam, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, exuding an effortless elegance that made Evelyn's pulse quicken.

Clutching the book, she rose to her feet. It felt like an eternity since they'd last seen each other.

She had missed him—achingly so—but had no excuse to seek him out. That he had come to her was unexpected.

"Liam," she greeted softly, setting the book down on the coffee table.

He stepped closer, his gaze filled with an intensity that made her breath hitch. There was something unbearably tender in his eyes as he asked, "Cassandra, are you busy?"

She shook her head. "Not at all."

His attention flickered to the book she'd just abandoned. The cover displayed intricate blueprints of an advanced fighter jet, annotated in a language he didn't recognize.

It was clearly a classified military manual—one far beyond standard comprehension.

"There's something I need to discuss with you. Will you come with me?" he asked.

Evelyn hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. They had already laid their feelings bare—what more was there to say?

Before she could respond, Margaret nudged her forward with a knowing grin. "Go on, take your time. No need to rush back."

Evelyn stumbled, colliding with Liam's chest. Instinctively, his hands settled at her waist, steadying her. His touch was warm, grounding.

Heat flooded her cheeks. She knew Margaret had orchestrated this.

Avoiding Liam's piercing gaze, she tried to step back, but Margaret seized her hand and pressed it into Liam's. "Of course she'll go," she declared.

Liam didn't close his fingers around hers. Instead, he brushed his thumb lightly over her knuckles, sensing her hesitation.

Her heart stuttered. She tucked her hand behind her back, realizing she had no choice but to comply.

"Where are we going? Should I change?" She glanced down at her casual attire, then back at Liam's polished appearance.

A flicker of amusement lit his eyes. "No need. You're perfect as you are."

He stepped aside, gesturing for her to lead the way. Evelyn grabbed her phone, nerves fluttering as she walked past him.

Liam fell into step beside her, his gaze never leaving her face, as if afraid she might vanish if he looked away.

Margaret watched them go, her smile widening. Hope bloomed in her chest.