Chapter 500

Liam's behavior shifted abruptly. His usual composed demeanor had vanished without warning.

Evelyn was momentarily stunned when they took Cassandra away. She instinctively reached for Theodore. "My research files—"

Liam intercepted her hand, guiding it downward with unexpected force. "Those documents are irrelevant now."

"Irrelevant?" Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief. A storm of emotions churned within her as she processed his words.

Before she could protest further, Liam forcibly escorted her out of the research facility. Victoria walked beside Ryan, observing the tense couple ahead. She leaned closer to Ryan, her voice dripping with faux concern. "Did you know Cassandra's academic credentials are fraudulent? Liam's aware, yet he's letting personal feelings cloud professional judgment." Her lips curled in satisfaction. "He insisted on placing her in research just to give her an impressive title."

Ryan frowned, his tone measured. "Given Ms. Wright's capabilities, I doubt she'll underperform in the department."

Victoria's smirk deepened. "Are you blind to what just happened? Still defending her?"

Ryan shook his head slowly. "Something feels... off about this situation."

"What do you mean?" Victoria's fingers tightened around her purse strap.

"It's Liam. He's not acting like himself."

Victoria's posture stiffened. "Explain."

"He's never tolerated anyone disrespecting Cassandra before. Yet today, he sided with an outsider accusing her of negligence."

Victoria preened, casting a triumphant glance at the arguing couple. "Theodore and I attended university together. Liam's courtesy is clearly for my benefit." When Ryan remained silent, she added, "Don't you agree?"

Ryan exhaled sharply through his nose, turning away. His gaze suddenly caught on Rosalind approaching with an armful of pastry boxes.

"Ryan!" Rosalind's cheerful greeting rang across the courtyard.

Ryan stopped abruptly, his entire demeanor brightening as he focused on her.

Victoria's hand landed possessively on Ryan's shoulder. "So? About what I said earlier—"

Ryan shrugged her off with visible irritation.

Victoria's expression darkened. Following Ryan's gaze, she spotted Rosalind and let out a derisive laugh. She reclaimed her grip on Ryan's shoulder, pressing closer. "Oh my, do you have feelings for Cassandra's little assistant?"

Rosalind froze mid-step, her smile vanishing.

Ryan forcefully removed Victoria's hand. "Stop touching me when you talk."

Victoria laughed, nudging Ryan's chest with her elbow. "You're absolutely smitten, aren't you?"

Ryan ignored her, his attention fixed on Rosalind's retreating figure. "Ros—"

He moved to follow, but Victoria seized his wrist. "We have work to do. Where do you think you're going?"

Ryan wrenched free. "Don't you have your own affairs to mind? Your nosiness is exhausting."

He sprinted after Rosalind while Victoria glared after him before continuing to trail Liam and Evelyn.

Rosalind had barely taken ten steps when Ryan caught up, breathless. He positioned himself directly in her path, grinning despite her obvious displeasure. "Are those donuts for me?" He nodded at the stack of boxes in her arms, recalling how he'd mentioned his favorite childhood bakery to her last week.

Rosalind took an exaggerated bite of one donut, then glanced at the remaining five boxes. "In your wildest dreams."

Ryan's face fell slightly. "You can't possibly eat all those alone."

"I'm sharing with Cassandra."

"Two people still can't finish six boxes. Maybe I could—"

"Ask Victoria to buy you some," Rosalind snapped. "If we have leftovers, I'll give them to Donovan in munitions."