Chapter 369

Valtoria, often dubbed the "Raging Beast" of the world, was a small yet formidable military power. Ruthless and relentless, they pursued their ambitions without hesitation—whether it was wealth, resources, or territory.

On the fringes of Valtoria lay Shadowmire Island, home to thousands of operatives. These were elite spies from various nations, trained by the infamous Obsidian Circle.

Though shrouded in secrecy, the Obsidian Circle was backed by the Valtorian government.

The sunset over Shadowmire was breathtaking. As the speedboat docked, two armed men escorted Evelyn Carter ashore. Moments later, the boat vanished into the horizon. Blindfolded, Evelyn followed obediently.

After traversing a stretch of beach, she was loaded into a sightseeing vehicle for a ten-minute ride. Only then was her blindfold removed.

She found herself inside a vast, ornately decorated house, its design reflecting Valtoria’s rich cultural heritage.

Rubbing her eyes, she scanned the room. Four armed guards stood at each corner, their cold stares piercing through her.

Victor Holloway, leader of the Obsidian Circle, lounged on a bed before her. A stocky man in his sixties, he exuded an air of casual menace.

A lavish spread of food and wine lay before him. He took a slow sip, chewing on a piece of spiced jerky before finally addressing her. "Where did you get this?"

Evelyn had handed over a small sample of hydronium to gain their attention. Now, she met his gaze with icy resolve. "I want to see Liam. Not a word until I do."

Victor remained unfazed, leisurely enjoying his meal as if she weren’t there. "I don’t know him. Never met the man."

"Then I have nothing to say," Evelyn retorted, chin lifted in defiance.

"Aren’t you afraid of dying?" Victor smirked.

Evelyn squared her shoulders. "I didn’t come here expecting to leave alive. Bring Liam if you want Cassandra Wright’s location. That’s my only condition."

"I told you—I don’t know him." Victor slammed down his jerky, his glare turning glacial.

Evelyn’s pulse spiked. Her legs trembled, her back slick with sweat.

Raised in sheltered academia, she had never faced such danger. Terror clawed at her, but she refused to buckle.

Clenching her fists, she pressed on. "Don’t you want the hydronium? Don’t you want Cassandra?"

Victor’s expression twisted. "Do you want to die right now?"

Silence. Evelyn held his gaze, unflinching. This was the boldest gamble of her life. Even if she died here today without seeing Liam, she wouldn’t regret it.

Victor’s anger slowly melted into amusement. He leaned forward, voice dripping with mockery. "We’ve captured two Aldenrian researchers. Killed their soldiers who infiltrated us. But it was all to save Julian."

"As for Liam Blackwood—he’s Aldenria’s top general. Capturing him would mean war. Do you think we’re that reckless?"

Evelyn’s eyes hardened. "You may not have the guts to admit what you’ve done, but your dirty dealings are undeniable."