Chapter 470

Evelyn and Harrison were engaged in quiet conversation as they made their way down the corridor.

Liam's voice cut through the air sharply. "Cassandra, when can you report for duty?"

Harrison turned to face him, but Evelyn kept her back deliberately turned.

After a deliberate pause, she responded in an even tone, "Perhaps in a few months."

Liam's voice hardened. "That's unacceptable. Tomorrow, you'll board the plane with me to return to headquarters."

Evelyn's hands clenched into fists at her sides. She bit down on her lower lip hard enough to draw blood, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

How she longed to whirl around and scream at him - "I'm carrying your child! I need proper prenatal care!"

"I refuse to give birth in some warzone while watching you and Victoria play happy couple!"

But rank demanded obedience. As his subordinate, she had no choice.

The oversized winter coat concealed her condition perfectly.

With no valid excuse, she simply said, "Understood. I'll arrange my own transportation. No need to trouble General Blackwood."

Harrison looked between them, baffled by Evelyn's blatant disrespect toward her commanding officer.

Half a year apart, and this was their reunion? Immediate conflict?

Shaking his head, Harrison continued with his official duties.

Thirty minutes later, the reception concluded.

Officials dispersed in small groups, chatting as they exited.

In the antechamber, assistants and secretaries waited on plush sofas.

Victoria and Ryan stood abruptly when they noticed the crowd thinning without Liam's appearance.

"Where's Liam?" Victoria fretted, peering toward the doors.

Ryan adjusted his tie. "Perhaps the President detained him."

"I'm going to check," Victoria declared, already moving.

Ryan hurried after her. "Victoria, that's highly inappropriate!"

The grand hall had three exits.

As Victoria approached the second door, movement at the third caught her eye.

She squinted at the retreating figure - that posture looked hauntingly familiar. Evelyn?

Liam burst through the doors moments later, scanning the area urgently.

Victoria grabbed his arm. "Liam? What's wrong?"

"Have you seen--" He cut himself off abruptly.

Evelyn's identity was classified. Only Aldenria's highest officials knew the truth.

Ryan approached cautiously. "General Blackwood, the plane is ready. Are we returning to base?"

Liam's attention snapped toward the corridor's end where a familiar silhouette vanished around the corner.

"Change of plans," he barked. "I'm not returning today."

He took off at a near-run.

Victoria chased after him. "But tonight's briefing! The entire schedule--"

Ryan followed, bewildered.

Outside Royal Heights, Liam watched helplessly as Evelyn's car sped away.

He braced his hands on his knees, breathing hard, before rounding on Ryan.

Victoria caught up, irritation clear. "Liam! Who are you chasing?"

"Phone," Liam demanded, hand outstretched. "Call Rosalind. Now."

Ryan blinked. "Rosalind Baskins?"

"Immediately!" Liam's voice cracked like a whip.

Startled by his commander's uncharacteristic outburst, Ryan dialed without another word, handing over the device.