Chapter 499

Evelyn was taken aback by how quickly Liam revealed everything to Theodore. Her fingers curled into tight fists, nails digging into her palms.

Theodore suppressed a chuckle, maintaining his composure as he cleared his throat. His gaze softened when it landed on Evelyn before addressing Theodore. "Did she really call you incompetent?"

"Absolutely. The entire Team B heard it," Theodore snapped, his face flushing with anger.

Liam merely hummed in response.

"Not only did she disrespect her superior, but she also skipped work for an entire week. Given such irresponsible behavior, I recommend immediate termination," Theodore added sharply.

Liam turned to Victoria with a raised eyebrow. "I specifically instructed you to arrange a month's leave for her. Why wasn't this done?"

The room fell silent in shock as Victoria stammered, "I've been overwhelmed with work and it slipped my mind."

Evelyn's brow furrowed. The flimsy excuse grated on her nerves, stirring irritation in her chest.

Liam's attention returned to Theodore. "There's your answer. This oversight falls on Ms. Hudson."

"But why would Ms. Hudson handle Cassandra's leave?" Theodore looked genuinely perplexed.

"Isn't Ms. Hudson responsible for managing my affairs?" Liam countered.

"Well, yes, as your personal assistant—"

"Then doesn't that include matters concerning my wife?"

The realization hit the room like lightning. All eyes turned to Evelyn with widened eyes. Theodore was the last to comprehend the situation.

Evelyn shot Liam a scorching glare. They'd agreed to keep their marriage private, yet here he was announcing it to the entire research facility.

Theodore's face paled. "General Blackwood... you're married?"

A simple nod from Liam prompted a wave of congratulations from the staff. Evelyn stood frozen, her pulse racing.

Theodore forced a congratulatory smile that quickly morphed into nervousness. "Y-Your wife is...?"

Liam's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Indeed, the very woman who called you useless happens to be my wife."

Evelyn's heart skipped unexpectedly at Liam's proud declaration. Though she'd wanted discretion, the way he claimed her so openly sent warmth flooding through her veins.

As colleagues offered their well-wishes, Theodore looked like he might faint. "My deepest apologies, General Blackwood! I had no idea—"

Liam clapped Theodore's shoulder. "No harm done. You can blame my wife for the workplace misconduct and that disastrous data cluster she left you."

Evelyn's jaw dropped. Why was Liam supporting these false accusations?

A smug smirk played on Victoria's lips.

Evelyn couldn't decipher Liam's motives. Were men only devoted before marriage? Yet she knew Liam wasn't that type.

Seeing Liam wasn't angry, Theodore relaxed. "Having Mrs. Blackwood on Team B is an honor. Even if she... takes liberties with attendance."

"So my wife is exempt from Team B regulations?" Liam asked coolly.

"Of course! Mrs. Blackwood may come and go as she pleases. I won't interfere with her research," Theodore backpedaled hastily.

Liam nodded in approval. He strode to Evelyn, capturing her hand in his. The tenderness in his gaze made her breath catch. "Cassandra, let's go."