Chapter 364

Liam led Evelyn to the secluded beach as the sun dipped below the horizon. The ocean shimmered like scattered sapphires under the fading light.

Evelyn glanced over her shoulder. A discreet security detail maintained a respectful distance, ensuring their privacy.

"Liam, why here?" she asked, the salt-kissed breeze tousling her hair.

His gaze remained fixed on her. The twilight painted her in hues of gold and violet, stealing his breath. "No listening devices. No prying eyes. Just us."

The intensity in his storm-gray eyes told her this wasn't a social visit. She gave a knowing smile. "I thought you of all people understood my position."

"I do." His jaw tightened. "But duty demands this conversation."

"Then convey my apologies to President Pierce."

Liam exhaled sharply. "Aldenria needs you, Evelyn. Our people won't brand you a traitor to Solterra—they'll recognize the sacrifice."

"Public opinion means nothing." Her voice remained steady as the tide. "Only results matter."

"We'll mobilize every resource to continue your research if you return."

"My contract—"

"Solterra respects human rights laws. We'll void it and absorb any penalties."

A shadow crossed her features. "The price is too steep."

"What price?"

She met his gaze squarely. "Complete surrender of all hydronium patents and research termination." Her fingers curled into fists. "That formula is my life's work, Liam. The only existing prototype exists in my mind."

The desperation in her voice silenced him. Researchers' obsessions weren't foreign to him.

"Five years then," he bargained. "When your contract expires—"

"Hydronium-based sonic weapons require decades, not years."

A muscle twitched in his temple. "So you'll remain in Solterra indefinitely."

"Yes."

The word hung between them like a death sentence.

Her gaze dropped to the shifting sands. "When my parents sent me abroad, they dreamed I'd return to serve Aldenria." A bitter laugh escaped her. "But scientific progress demands sacrifice. Solterra offered resources, freedom to research... at the cost of my citizenship."

She plucked at her sleeve. "For eight years, I've lived in a research compound. Two months annual leave. No external communications. Not even to my family." A tremor entered her voice. "I didn't abandon you deliberately. I never knew..."

"But now you do." Liam closed the distance, his presence overwhelming. "Give us this chance."

Evelyn retreated until waves lapped at her heels. "You're Aldenria's Iron General. I'm Solterra's top-secret asset. Any contact constitutes espionage."

His hands gripped her shoulders, anchoring her. "Is there nothing here worth risking for?"

The raw vulnerability in his eyes unraveled her defenses. In that moment, no equations or formulas existed—only him.

"Your grandparents," he pressed. "Donovan. Not even a sliver of doubt?"

Darkness swallowed the last light as the tide rushed between them.