Chapter 70

Benjamin nodded hesitantly. "Yes. But the chemical composition is beyond my comprehension. Without Ms. Wright's formula, this substance is completely useless."

Liam studied Benjamin with sharp military precision before rising abruptly, the vial clenched in his fist. He turned to Ryan with decisive authority. "Name his price. I'm acquiring this immediately."

Before Benjamin could protest, Liam had already exited the room with purposeful strides.

Panic flashed across Benjamin's face as he scrambled to his feet. "Wait! Payment isn't necessary—"

But Ryan cut him off with professional seriousness. "Market valuation places this at five billion dollars per vial. You may name any amount below that threshold."

Benjamin's hands trembled visibly. The sum was unimaginable for a retired researcher with mounting medical bills for his wife. He'd considered selling the sample discreetly during the cruise, never dreaming of such astronomical figures.

Hesitantly, he raised a single finger. Surely one million wouldn't be excessive?

"One billion? Accepted with gratitude," Ryan responded immediately.

"No! That's far too generous!" Benjamin waved his hands frantically.

Ryan adjusted smoothly. "Ten million then? Aldenria thanks you for this patriotic contribution." He produced official documents with practiced efficiency. "Present these at military headquarters within seventy-two hours for payment processing."

Benjamin stood speechless as Ryan departed with military precision.

At dusk, the luxury liner returned to Aldenrian waters, docking beneath twilit skies. Passengers disembarked in orderly fashion.

When Evelyn followed Cassandra onto the pier, her breath caught at the imposing sight before her.

Two disciplined columns of special forces stood at perfect attention, their black tactical gear creating an intimidating corridor. The air vibrated with unspoken authority.

Nearby, Victoria and Julian waited beside a sleek black limousine. Cassandra moved to greet Julian casually while Evelyn fumbled for her phone to summon a ride.

The rhythmic cadence of polished boots on concrete made her turn—only to see Victoria dart past with theatrical enthusiasm.

"Nate!" Victoria clung to Liam's arm with practiced affection. "It's been ages! I can't bear to be apart again so soon."

Evelyn's chest constricted painfully. She lowered her gaze, the sting behind her eyes betraying her as she pretended to study her phone screen.

Cassandra approached with Julian. "Victoria, Liam has pressing military obligations. He can't entertain personal engagements."

Julian smirked. "Why not accompany him to base? I'm sure he'd appreciate the company."

Victoria brightened instantly. "Perfect! I've always wanted to tour your weapons facility, Nate!"

Liam's expression darkened like gathering storm clouds. He peeled Victoria off with visible irritation. "Enough. Stop this undignified display."

Nearby, Ryan and Adrian exchanged disapproving glances at the spectacle. The general's formidable reputation was being compromised by this childish behavior.

Cassandra checked her watch. "Evelyn, it's getting late. We should ride back with Dr. Whitmore."

Evelyn numbly noted the fifteen-minute wait time on her ride-share app. Anything to escape this painful scene. "Fine," she murmured, moving toward Cassandra.

Julian's smile turned triumphant as he opened the passenger door.

"Evie."

The unexpected endearment froze everyone in place. That deep, familiar voice—Liam's voice—had never sounded so tender.

Evelyn turned slowly, heart pounding. Surely she'd misheard?

Liam shoved Victoria aside with uncharacteristic roughness and closed the distance between them. His large hand enveloped hers as he murmured, "Last night you mentioned wanting to observe field exercises. The 101st Airborne is drilling at dawn."

Evelyn blinked in confusion. She had no memory of such a conversation.

Julian slammed the car door shut, his expression thunderous. "With your schedule, that would be highly inconvenient."

Liam's grip tightened possessively as he pulled Evelyn against his side. "No obligation supersedes my wife's requests. If I can't honor simple promises, what kind of husband would that make me?"

The deliberate emphasis on "wife" hung in the air like a challenge.

Julian's jaw clenched while Evelyn's pulse raced erratically. Liam's palm burned against hers, sending disorienting warmth through her body. She couldn't decipher his sudden change, but she wouldn't undermine him publicly.

The tension between the two men became palpable.

"And what of Victoria's plans?" Julian demanded coldly.