Chapter 79

Liam's presence enveloped Evelyn as he drew near, his masculine scent mingling with the faint aroma of his shampoo.

Her pulse quickened unexpectedly, fingers twitching with the sudden urge to withdraw.

But Liam captured her hand firmly, unwinding the gauze to inspect the injury. The sutures remained intact on her palm, the wound still raw without any signs of healing.

His expression darkened instantly.

A pang of guilt shot through Evelyn, making her attempt to pull away, but Liam's grip only tightened.

With meticulous care, he rewrapped the dressing before casually suggesting, "This needs to stay dry. I could assist with bathing and changing bandages. What do you think?"

Heat flooded her cheeks as she murmured, "Abigail's already helping me."

"Just say the word if you need anything. And don't leave the manor until we apprehend the suspect. If you must go anywhere, inform me first - I'll arrange security," Liam advised, his voice laced with concern.

Warmth blossomed in Evelyn's chest as she watched his skilled fingers secure the bandage. She found herself wishing the gauze could stretch endlessly between them.

"Are you leaving?" Evelyn lifted her gaze to meet his. The way he'd bent his head in concentration while tending to her wound had cast some inexplicable spell over her.

"Soon," came his deep, velvety response.

"You've barely slept two hours. Aren't you exhausted?"

Liam paused, only now understanding why she'd appeared so soon. Releasing her hand, he turned away to finish buttoning his shirt.

"I'm not that fragile."

"But you're not invincible either. Even machines need maintenance," Evelyn countered stubbornly.

With effortless grace, Liam shrugged into his cardigan, the simple action making Evelyn's breath catch.

He moved to the nightstand, collecting his phone and watch before retrieving a handgun from the drawer and securing it at his waist.

Evelyn stood motionless, absorbing every precise movement. When he finally turned to leave, he paused to gently ruffle her hair.

"Rest. Call if you need me."

The moment the door closed behind him, an odd emptiness settled in Evelyn's chest. Liam had barely departed, yet she already ached for his return.

Benjamin Hart arrived at headquarters to collect payment for the hydronium sale.

After Liam signed the necessary documents, finance handed Benjamin a ten-million-dollar check.

Tears welled in the older man's eyes as he stared at the check. "My wife... she'll get the treatment now."

Liam approached Benjamin. "Dr. Hart, your decades at Solterra have given you unparalleled expertise. How would you like to join Aldenria's premier military research facility?"

Benjamin gaped at Liam, taking several moments before responding, "At my age? You'd really have me at the nation's top armory?"

"Skill knows no age. Your capabilities are what matter to me," Liam stated firmly.

Removing his glasses, Benjamin wiped his eyes. "General Blackwood, I won't disappoint you. I'll dedicate everything to Aldenria's defense."

Liam leaned casually against the desk, hands in pockets.

"One more question." His brow furrowed. "Why does hydronium evaporate upon air exposure?"

Benjamin sighed, replacing his glasses with a grave expression.

"The compound's inherently unstable. Only Cassandra Wright truly understands its properties. Weaponizing it... that's impossible without her knowledge."