Chapter 394

Evelyn descended the grand staircase, her footsteps echoing through the marble foyer. Rosalind stood waiting in the sitting room, clutching a garment bag.

"Here are the clothes you requested," Rosalind said, handing over the bag. Her brow furrowed with concern. "Evelyn, why this sudden move to Blackwood Manor? How is Mr. Blackwood recovering?"

Accepting the bag, Evelyn sank into the plush sofa beside Rosalind. "He's sustained two life-threatening injuries before," she explained, fingers tightening around the fabric. "His constitution remains fragile - he needs round-the-clock care now."

Rosalind fell silent, her lips pressing into a thin line of worry.

"Any news from Solterra?" Evelyn asked, changing the subject.

Rosalind's expression darkened as she leaned closer. "Evelyn, you know your position. Solterra won't simply let their top scientist walk away. They're still trying every tactic to bring you back."

A sigh escaped Evelyn's lips, laced with quiet remorse. "Please keep handling negotiations for me. We must resolve this diplomatically - no provocations, no offenses taken."

Rosalind's eyes burned with unanswered questions. "I still don't understand why you'd abandon hydronium research, leave Solterra, and return to Aldenria. You always said science transcends borders - that knowledge belongs to humanity."

She leaned forward urgently. "If you stay in Aldenria, you'll lose everything - Solterra's unlimited resources, your research team, years of groundbreaking work. The Genesis Award was within your grasp! This could have been your life's crowning achievement."

Evelyn's shoulders slumped slightly as she stared at her hands.

"Perhaps you should reconsider," Rosalind pressed gently.

Evelyn lifted her chin with quiet determination. "My mind is made up. Continue negotiations with Solterra. I'll accept any reasonable terms they propose - as long as it guarantees my permanent return."

"But Evelyn—" Rosalind began urgently.

Evelyn raised a hand, cutting her off. "Please, no more."

Rosalind's voice turned grave. "Is this about Liam? Are you letting emotions cloud your judgment?"

Evelyn shook her head. "It's not just him."

"Then what?" Rosalind demanded.

Taking Rosalind's hand, Evelyn spoke with quiet intensity. "The truth is, science does have borders."

Rosalind frowned in confusion.

"Solterra and Aldenria may be allies now, but politics shift like sand. If conflict ever arises, the weapons I developed could be turned against my homeland."

"You're not Aldenrian anymore," Rosalind countered. "These aren't your people."

"I was born and raised in Aldenria. Educated there. Before going abroad, I dreamed of seeding knowledge and returning to serve my country."

Rosalind sighed. "The scenario you fear may never happen."

Seeing she couldn't sway Evelyn, Rosalind exhaled in resignation.

"If I must choose between happiness and honor, I choose happiness," Evelyn said softly. "The Genesis Award seems distant now, and there's no guarantee of happiness even if I stayed."

"Both paths are uncertain," she continued. "But right now, I can't risk losing him."

Rosalind stood abruptly, smoothing her skirt. "Very well, Evelyn. I'll monitor the situation. Though it would be best if you handled negotiations personally."

"If I set foot in Solterra again," Evelyn said quietly, "I'll never make it back to Aldenria."

Understanding dawned in Rosalind's eyes, and she nodded silently.

"Thank you, Rosalind."

"No thanks needed." Rosalind moved toward the door. "I should go now."

Evelyn saw her out, then went to dine alone before carrying her clothes to Liam's chambers.

She found him already finished with dinner, propped against the headboard, his attention wholly absorbed by the laptop balanced on his knees.