Chapter 368

The next morning, Evelyn found Ryan Sullivan extracting prisoners from the high-security facility.

Her heart pounded as she learned the Obsidian Circle had demanded Aldenria exchange Julian Whitmore for their two captured researchers. Julian's life meant nothing compared to the value of those scientists.

At the prison gates, Julian was led away in shackles, a black hood covering his head as armed guards shoved him into an armored vehicle. Evelyn grabbed Ryan's arm urgently. "Where's Liam? Any news?"

Ryan's expression darkened. "Ms. Wright, General Blackwood has been missing for six days now."

"Did Obsidian Circle take him?" Her fingers trembled violently as tears threatened to spill.

"They're only admitting to kidnapping the researchers. This trade is solely for Julian." Ryan glanced around before lowering his voice. "The original rescue squad was ambushed. So General Blackwood led a covert team himself."

Evelyn's breath hitched. "How many went with him?"

"A dozen elite operatives. Adrian Castillo joined them."

"That makes no sense!" Evelyn's voice cracked. "When Dominic sold me to the border traffickers, Liam mobilized an entire battalion with air support!"

Ryan shook his head grimly. "Different situation, Ms. Wright. That was within our borders. Obsidian Circle's base is in Valtoria - foreign soil. Any military incursion would trigger their missile defenses."

Understanding dawned on Evelyn. She clutched Ryan's sleeve desperately. "Let me go after him."

"Absolutely not." Ryan pulled away sharply.

Evelyn blocked his path. "I'm begging you, Ryan."

He rubbed his temples in frustration. "You're not trained for combat. How exactly would you rescue a Special Forces commander? You'd just become another liability."

"But—"

"I only told you this because I need you to stay here and wait." Ryan's voice softened. "If...if the General doesn't make it back, at least you'll have the chance to—"

The word "dead" struck Evelyn like a physical blow. A sharp pain radiated through her chest as silent tears traced down her cheeks.

As Ryan departed with the prison convoy, Evelyn numbly approached Rosalind Baskins' waiting car.

"Any news?" Rosalind asked urgently as Evelyn slid inside.

"Nothing." Evelyn stared blankly ahead as the car accelerated. After a long silence, she whispered with sudden conviction, "He's at Obsidian Circle's base. I know it. And he's still alive."

Rosalind's grip tightened on the wheel. "Evelyn, I won't let you risk your life on some suicide mission."

Evelyn leaned back, closing her eyes. Her mind raced with rescue plans.

Days later in Aldenria, news arrived that the researchers had been safely exchanged - but with no word of Liam. Obsidian Circle had taken Julian but left Evelyn behind, proving Julian's importance to their organization.

Despite Rosalind and Ryan's vehement protests, Evelyn quietly purchased a one-way ticket to Valtoria. She would find Liam Blackwood or die trying.