Chapter 477

Liam's eyes lingered on the strawberries.

They were plump, crimson jewels, arranged with meticulous care in an ornate basket. The rich scent of ripe fruit filled the space between them.

His gaze flicked up to Evelyn with suspicion. "Did you pick these yourself?"

She nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "The branches were low enough to reach."

For a fleeting moment, warmth spread through his chest—until he remembered her usual schemes. The tenderness evaporated like morning mist.

"What do you want?" Liam asked bluntly. He knew her kindness always came with strings attached.

Yet, he still indulged her.

Evelyn stepped closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Mr. Blackwood, I want to transfer to Team A."

His expression darkened. "Absolutely not. Team A handles high-risk field operations—dangerous, grueling work with no room for error."

He softened slightly. "Stay in Team B. You excel there. The professors respect you, and your research is groundbreaking."

Her face fell.

So Team A was the backbone of their operations.

Compared to their responsibilities, Team B's challenges seemed trivial. The intimidating Team B leader suddenly didn’t seem so fearsome.

Noticing her distraction, Liam frowned. "What's wrong? Isn’t Team B suitable anymore?"

Evelyn snapped back to reality, forcing a smile. "No, Team B is perfect. I should go now." She reached for the basket.

Liam's hand shot out, gripping the other side. "What are you doing?"

"Taking them back," she said matter-of-factly.

He barked a laugh, incredulous. "Who retrieves a gift after giving it?"

Evelyn hesitated. She knew he disliked strawberries.

The fruit had just been an excuse to see him. The winter chill had made venturing out for other gifts unappealing, so she’d plucked these from the greenhouse.

A mere pretense.

Yet here he was, clinging to them despite his aversion.

Gifts were tokens of goodwill, but leaving them to rot in his office seemed wasteful. Better to share them with Rosalind.

"You don’t even like strawberries," she pointed out.

His grip tightened. "Once given, they're mine. Your concern is unnecessary."

Evelyn relented. She could always pick more later.

Outside, dusk had surrendered to night. Snowflakes spiraled beneath the amber glow of streetlamps.

Had time slipped away so quickly?

Pulling out her phone, she texted Rosalind for a ride.

Liam watched her, his chest tightening. Snatching his coat, he caught up to her and draped it over her shoulders from behind.

He secured the middle button with deliberate care.

Evelyn turned, startled.

His voice was soft. "I'll walk you."

She moved to shrug off the coat. "You'll freeze. Rosalind’s coming—"

He caught her wrist. "Tell her not to."

"Fine," she conceded, then tried again. "But you need this more. It's freezing."

A sharp voice sliced through the moment.

"What exactly is happening here?"

Evelyn whirled around. Victoria Hudson stood before them, a lunchbox clutched in her hands, her eyes blazing with regal disapproval.