Chapter 367

Evelyn's lips curved into a soft smile. "You didn't just save my life, Rosalind. You're the only family I have left."

Across the table, Rosalind Fairchild studied Evelyn with complex emotions swirling in her gaze before shifting her attention to Cassandra Wright's face. She marveled at how someone with such genuine kindness could exist in this world.

Born into the prestigious Wright family, Cassandra could have lived a life of luxury. Yet she chose to work in Solterra's research facilities. Her compassionate nature couldn't tolerate seeing others suffer - she'd rescued Evelyn from certain death and loaned Rosalind a substantial sum during her darkest days.

Cassandra frequently hosted live-streamed art sessions to raise funds for charity, donating generously from her personal fortune.

"Cassandra," Rosalind asked curiously, "what matters most to you in life?"

Liam Blackwood's face immediately flashed through Cassandra's mind.

"Her work," Evelyn interjected before Cassandra could respond.

Rosalind pressed further. "I've always wondered - what exactly does Cassandra do for work?"

Evelyn simply smiled knowingly.

"I'm just an ordinary mechanical engineer," Cassandra answered modestly.

"What kind of machines? What are they used for?" Rosalind persisted.

Cassandra deftly changed the subject. "Let's not bore you with work talk. Tell me more about your-"

A ringing phone interrupted them. Both women turned to Evelyn, who answered with brief exchanges before extending the device to Cassandra. "It's Colonel Sullivan - General Blackwood's aide. He's asking for you."

"Who?" Cassandra's body tensed immediately.

"Ryan."

Any mention of Liam or his affairs made Cassandra's pulse race. Her reluctance to leave grew stronger, yet with her scheduled return to Solterra tomorrow, she didn't want to complicate matters further.

Her decision was firm. "Tell him I won't be seeing Liam anymore."

Evelyn's expression turned grave, her outstretched hand freezing mid-air. "Cassandra, at least hear what he has to say. Don't live with regrets."

The intensity in Evelyn's demeanor unsettled Cassandra. She took the phone with trembling fingers. "Ryan? What is it?"

"Ms. Wright," Ryan's voice carried unmistakable grief. "I know you're leaving Aldenria tomorrow. General Blackwood ordered me not to tell you so you could return peacefully, but I must."

Ryan's tone sent chills down Cassandra's spine. "Tell me. What's happened?"

"It's General Blackwood," Ryan blurted out, his voice breaking. "He's in serious trouble."

Cassandra's heart stuttered as an invisible weight crushed her chest, stealing her breath. "What's happened to Liam?"

Ryan explained mournfully, "Two weeks ago, Obsidian Circle kidnapped two researchers from our chemical division. Last time, we contained the hydronium explosion quickly."

"They suspect you're part of our research team, so they took our scientists. General Blackwood sent negotiators, but..." Ryan's voice cracked. "They were all executed."

"Obsidian Circle demanded General Blackwood negotiate alone, or they'd kill the researchers and target more Aldenrian scientists. He had no choice but to-"

"Where is Liam now?" Cassandra's voice rose in panic.

"General Blackwood's been missing five days. All tracking signals are dead. We've lost all contact." Ryan's voice choked with emotion. "I fear he may have..."

Tears streamed down Cassandra's face as her throat constricted and the room spun. "No! Liam has to be alive! He must be!"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Wright. General Blackwood-"

"Enough!" Cassandra shouted through her tears, abruptly ending the call. Wiping her face, she turned to Evelyn with newfound determination. "Cancel my flight. Find me everything on Obsidian Circle's location. I'm bringing Liam home."