Chapter 481

Liam finally let go of Evelyn's hand.

A sharp ache pierced Evelyn's heart as she understood what it meant to be truly cherished by him. Despite his own desires, he was willing to compromise for her sake.

She clung to Rosalind's arm as they walked away together.

When they'd put some distance between them, Rosalind couldn't resist glancing back. There stood Liam beneath the golden streetlight, snowflakes swirling around his motionless figure, his gaze locked on Evelyn's retreating form.

"Evelyn," Rosalind whispered urgently, "General Blackwood is still watching you."

Evelyn merely hummed in response without turning.

"I can't help but pity him sometimes," Rosalind sighed.

"Pity? Doesn't he have Victoria by his side? Save your pity for me," Evelyn replied with a bitter twist of her lips.

Rosalind tightened her grip around Evelyn's arm and rested her head against her shoulder. "You'll always have me."

"Yes, I have you—the incomparable Rosalind," Evelyn managed a small smile. "Evelyn, I've been doing some research. It's completely normal not to show much during mid-pregnancy. The bump will become more pronounced later. Hiding it from General Blackwood won't work forever."

"Why not tell him the truth when the time's right? We could return to Aldenria during your pregnancy if you're worried about Victoria harming the baby," Rosalind suggested.

Evelyn fell into deep contemplation.

The next morning, Evelyn returned to her work in the research department. Theodore Graves slammed a stack of documents in front of her. His usual unpleasant demeanor remained, though his words carried a different tone.

"These are all Team B's current projects. Pick whichever you want to join." Evelyn blinked in surprise at his uncharacteristic offer.

"You've already reported to General Blackwood. Why pretend otherwise?" Theodore sneered.

Evelyn gently pushed the papers aside. "That won't be necessary. I have my own research priorities. I don't have bandwidth for additional projects now."

Theodore snorted and snatched back the documents. His eyes raked over her with undisguised contempt before muttering, "Just another privileged connection hire leaching off the system."

Evelyn's expression darkened. She clenched her jaw and shot him a furious glare.

Theodore stalked away with visible disdain.

Taking a steadying breath, Evelyn placed a protective hand over her stomach, forcing herself to swallow both her anger and the humiliation.

She'd been occupied all morning. Her colleagues remained oblivious to the nature of her research, only noticing her frequent trips to the restroom. To them, she hardly appeared focused on work.

By early afternoon, hunger weakened Evelyn. Rosalind arrived with snacks to tide her over. While others worked through lunch, Evelyn headed to the cafeteria with Rosalind.

As they entered, a figure came barreling toward them, colliding with Evelyn's shoulder. Startled, Evelyn stumbled backward.

Rosalind reacted instantly, wrapping an arm around Evelyn's waist to steady her.

The collision sent a lunchbox tumbling to the floor, its contents spilling across the tiles. Evelyn looked up at the person who'd bumped into her, her pulse racing.

It was Victoria.

Rosalind's temper flared. "Watch where you're going! Are you blind?"

Victoria showed no remorse. "I was in a hurry to bring lunch to Liam. It was an accident—no harm done. Though you've ruined my lunch now."

"You crash into someone and can't even apologize? And now you're playing the victim?" Rosalind demanded.

Victoria's gaze dropped to where Evelyn had instinctively cradled her stomach. A frown creased Victoria's forehead—the impact had been against Evelyn's arm, yet her first reaction had been to protect her abdomen.

Evelyn quickly dropped her hands when she noticed Victoria's curious stare.

"You're pregnant?" Victoria's voice rang with shock.