Chapter 375

Evelyn gracefully pulled the ornate hairpin from her dark tresses. Instantly, her silken locks cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall of midnight, framing her face with ethereal beauty.

Liam found himself utterly transfixed. His gaze drank in her radiance, completely unaware of the concealed weapon in her hand.

Noticing his captivation, Evelyn twirled the hairpin between her fingers. "Liam, look closely."

Puzzled, he examined it. "It appears to be an ordinary jade hairpin - slightly thicker than usual, with a hollow core."

A mysterious smile played on Evelyn's lips as she bent to retrieve translucent beads from her shoe's hidden compartment. Placing them in Liam's palm, she murmured, "Bulletproof ceramic beads - harder than sapphires. My own design."

Liam studied the beads, his admiration for Evelyn's ingenuity growing with each revelation.

Turning slightly away, Evelyn discreetly retrieved a miniature spring from her corset. Respecting her modesty, Liam averted his gaze as she adjusted her bodice.

Within moments, she had produced an array of minuscule weapon components from various concealed locations on her person. With practiced efficiency, she handed them to Liam before assembling the pieces with surgical precision.

Liam watched, mesmerized, his eyes shifting between her delicate hands and the intense concentration on her exquisite face. She shone like the rarest celestial body - breathtaking yet untouchable.

When complete, Evelyn presented the assembled weapon. It resembled an elegant fountain pen, complete with decorative tassel and discreet activation button.

Liam whispered in awe, "I've never encountered a firearm like this. Your creation?"

Evelyn nodded. "Specifically designed for covert operations. The materials evade all known detection methods. Compact, lightweight, and utterly concealable."

She handed him the weapon before gathering her hair into an elaborate updo, securing it with the pen-gun.

Liam's brow furrowed. "What if it discharges accidentally?"

"Impossible," she assured him. "The safety mechanism is foolproof despite its size."

Liam responded with a warm smile, his gaze burning with intensity. In that moment, all reservations evaporated.

A woman of Evelyn's caliber belonged to no man or nation - she was a force unto herself. Destined to blaze her own trail across the heavens, creating miracles. Whatever nation benefited from her brilliance would be fortunate indeed.

Evelyn took Liam's hand, her voice barely audible. "Tomorrow I eliminate Victor, then take Julian hostage."

Liam's curiosity sparked. "Why risk confronting Victor first?"

Evelyn gestured to the hairpin weapon, leaning closer. "If I aimed this at you, would you suspect it's lethal?"

"To send a message. Understood," Liam replied, his Adam's apple bobbing as he gently created distance between them. Her proximity was becoming dangerously distracting.

Evelyn noticed his withdrawal immediately.

Her brow furrowed with suspicion as she challenged, "Liam, didn't you once claim to adore me?"

The question caught Liam completely off guard, his eyes widening with startled confusion.