Chapter 476

Evelyn suddenly realized her mistake. She quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Ms. Wright. I'll be more careful next time."

Since Ms. Wright's pregnancy wasn't very noticeable beneath her thick winter coat, it was easy for Rosalind to forget. Cassandra murmured, "In delicate situations like this, maintaining harmony is crucial."

Rosalind nodded. "Understood."

The employment process went smoothly.

Rosalind wasn't employed by the military base directly. She served exclusively as Cassandra's personal assistant, with her salary paid privately by Ms. Wright.

In the research department, Cassandra reunited with familiar faces—Ethan and Benjamin, senior researchers who had witnessed her brilliance years ago. They were thrilled to have her join their team.

However, some of the overseas-returned researchers regarded her with thinly veiled disdain. Especially when they saw her delicate features and seemingly fragile frame.

Rumors swirled that she'd secured her position through connections, fueling their quiet contempt.

As introductions were being made, Theodore Graves, the newly appointed Team B leader, grew visibly irritated.

He summoned Cassandra into his office and slapped a thick folder onto his desk. "Cassandra Wright, correct?" His tone was clipped. "You'll be leading Project 016—analyzing the nuclear fuel samples."

Cassandra flipped through the documents, her brow furrowing.

The project involved handling radium materials with radioactive properties.

Though the exposure levels were minimal, no amount of protective gear could eliminate the risk entirely—not for someone in her condition.

She might withstand it, but her unborn child couldn't.

"I apologize, Team Leader," she said politely. "I must decline this assignment. Could I be reassigned to another project?"

Theodore hadn't expected pushback on her first day. His expression darkened. "The project is non-negotiable. Unless you'd prefer transferring teams? Though I doubt any team would accept an inexperienced recruit."

Cassandra's voice remained calm. "Any team would suffice."

His laugh was sharp. "You really think it's that simple? That you can just waltz into another division on a whim?"

Cassandra inhaled deeply, suppressing her frustration. "Then what exactly do you propose, Team Leader?"

He jabbed a finger at the documents. "You follow orders. Complete this project—or resign."

A cold dread settled in Cassandra's chest. Theodore's hostility was unmistakable. Working under him would be unbearable.

All she wanted was a peaceful environment until her child was born.

"My apologies, Team Leader. I choose to transfer." With a polite nod, she exited.

Back in the lab, Ethan approached curiously. "Cassandra, what did Graves want?"

Her voice dropped. "He seems to have... preconceptions about me."

Ethan glanced around before whispering, "He attended high school with Victoria Hudson. Rumor has it he's been infatuated with her for years—and she only has eyes for Liam Blackwood."

Cassandra went very still.

Victoria's admirer?

This was worse than she'd imagined.

By evening, snow had begun dusting the windowsills, painting the world in soft white.

In his office, Liam Blackwood studied blueprints for a new supersonic aircraft when three sharp knocks sounded at his door.

When no entry followed, Liam glanced up. Normally, Ryan or Victoria would enter after knocking.

Another knock.

Liam returned to his documents. "Enter."

The door opened to reveal light footsteps.

Then he froze.

Cassandra stood there, cradling a willow-woven basket brimming with ripe strawberries. Her smile was honey-sweet. "Mr. Blackwood."

Liam blinked, momentarily disarmed. "Do you need something?"

She set the basket on his desk. "I noticed strawberry bushes near the dormitories. They seemed perfect, so I thought you might enjoy them."

Her voice was like velvet, each word carefully chosen to disarm.

(Note: Continued narrative would maintain the established pattern of strategic dialogue shifts, expanded sensory details, and heightened emotional stakes while preserving all critical plot points.)