Chapter 82

The delightful dinner eventually came to an end.

After finishing their meal, Liam instructed Evelyn to rest while he carried the empty tray downstairs.

Outside the dormitory, Ryan and Adrian spotted General Blackwood descending with the used dishes.

Ryan nudged Adrian's elbow. "The General took quite some time with that meal."

"Perhaps Ms. Carter enjoys savoring her food slowly," Adrian suggested quietly.

"He seems unusually relaxed today."

As Liam approached them, Adrian muttered, "That's about to change."

Liam stopped before his subordinates.

"General Blackwood," they greeted simultaneously.

His expression darkened as he handed over the tray. "Wash this thoroughly."

"Yes, sir."

Adrian carried the tray while walking beside Ryan, both trailing behind their commanding officer.

"Any progress on identifying the perpetrator?" Liam demanded in his characteristic stern tone.

"We've narrowed it down to twelve potential suspects. The investigation remains ongoing," Ryan reported.

"What about the research project?" Liam continued as they walked.

"We've hit multiple obstacles. Even Dr. Hart, our newest team member, is struggling with the calculations," Ryan admitted.

Liam's face clouded over as he quickened his pace. "Has the lightspeed bullet program been repaired?"

"The system keeps getting hacked by an unknown source. Progress is moving at a snail's pace."

"When's the scheduled drill?"

Ryan hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "Well..."

Liam's patience was wearing thin. Each unresolved issue felt like another weight pressing on his shoulders.

"Out with it," he snapped.

"We received orders from command. The drill's postponed indefinitely after explosives were discovered at the site." Ryan's voice carried clear disappointment.

Liam stopped abruptly, his broad shoulders visibly tense under the burden of responsibility. Both subordinates recognized their General's mounting pressures but could offer little relief.

Adrian cleared his throat nervously. "General Blackwood, there's one more matter requiring your attention."

After the string of bad news, one more problem hardly seemed to matter.

"Speak," Liam commanded.

"Ms. Dawson visited the research facility again. She had... altercations with several professors. It escalated to the point where..." Adrian trailed off.

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. Victoria's constant disruptions were becoming intolerable.

"What happened?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

"She struck Dr. Reynolds in the eye with a glass bottle."

Liam's hands clenched into fists. Among all his pressing concerns, Victoria's childish outbursts were the most infuriating.

"Restrain her and arrange immediate transport back to Aldenria," he ordered angrily.

Adrian swallowed hard before explaining, "General, Ms. Dawson anticipated your reaction. She's gone into hiding. We haven't located her yet."

The thought of Victoria's arrogant presumption made Liam's blood boil. He stormed toward the office building, his subordinates scrambling to keep pace.

Night had fallen when the wall clock chimed 11:55 pm.

Evelyn fought against heavy eyelids. Abigail had helped her with evening medications and prepared her for bed hours ago, but sleep remained elusive.

Her thoughts kept circling back to Liam - worrying about his relentless work schedule and its toll on his health. The concerns kept her wide awake despite her exhaustion.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Evelyn sprang from bed and rushed to the entrance, flinging the door open with hopeful anticipation.