Chapter 84

The research facility hummed with activity even in the dead of night.

Evelyn Carter's sudden appearance in pajamas and a cardigan sent a ripple of surprise through the room. Liam Blackwood's expression darkened as he approached her.

"Didn't I tell you to rest?" His voice was sharp, but concern flickered beneath the sternness.

"Is the sample in Research Building Five?" Evelyn asked urgently, ignoring his question.

Liam frowned. "What's going on?"

She met his gaze, her voice low but determined. "Adrian mentioned you couldn't purify the Azurium. I want to try."

Liam's glare shifted to Adrian, who immediately shrank back, guilt written all over his face. Instead of ensuring Evelyn rested, he had spilled their struggles, riling her up.

"You think you can do it?" Liam asked, skepticism lacing his tone.

Evelyn hesitated, then nodded. "I know the methods, but I can't promise it'll work. You've been stuck for a week—let me try."

His eyes dropped to her bandaged hands. "With those?"

She gave an awkward smile. "Or, if you're feeling generous, I wouldn't say no to two assistants."

Despite the exhaustion weighing on him, Liam felt an unexpected lightness at her persistence. The impossible suddenly seemed a little less daunting.

"How long will this take?" he asked.

She shrugged. "No idea."

He checked his watch. "It's late. Rest first. We'll try tomorrow."

"I'm already here," she countered stubbornly.

The onlookers gaped. The usually unyielding General Blackwood was negotiating—calmly—with a woman in pajamas.

Liam turned to Ryan. "Call Dr. Reynolds. Get two assistants prepped and ready for another round."

Ryan nodded and hurried off.

Taking Evelyn's hand, Liam led her out, the team trailing behind. The convoy sped toward Research Building Five.

Dr. Ethan Reynolds was already waiting, his face lighting up when he saw Evelyn.

"Mrs. Blackwood! It's you?"

She nodded politely. "Hello, Dr. Reynolds."

His smile faltered when he noticed her injuries. "Your hands—"

"Minor," she dismissed. "I just need help with the finer work."

Just then, Benjamin Hart adjusted his glasses, studying her. "Aren't you the woman who synthesized Delphius on the cruise?"

Ethan nudged him. "That's Mrs. Blackwood."

Benjamin paled. "Apologies, ma'am."

She waved it off. "Dr. Hart, right? Perfect. You two can assist me."

Ethan gestured. "This way, Mrs. Blackwood."

There was a quiet confidence in her movements now, a stark contrast to her usual hesitance about her past. Liam watched, intrigued, until Ryan murmured, "Sir... do you really think she can do it?"

Liam exhaled. "After a week of failure, what's one more attempt?"

"But if she ruins the sample like Victoria did—"

"She won't." His certainty silenced further doubts.

The research building buzzed with murmurs—some dismissive, others curious. Liam ignored them, settling into a chair to wait.

Thirty minutes later, the elevator doors slid open. Ethan rushed out, trembling with excitement.

"General Blackwood—we did it! It's pure!"

Liam's eyes snapped open. For a second, he wondered if he'd dreamed it. But the exhilaration around him was real.

Ryan and Adrian nearly tackled Ethan in their excitement. "You're serious? It worked?"

Ethan nodded wildly. "Mrs. Blackwood cracked it in half an hour. She even isolated two rare derivatives and outlined potential applications—"

Adrian cut him off. "Point is, we succeeded. Now maybe we can sleep."

The room erupted in stunned chatter.

Liam stood slowly, his chest tight with something he couldn't name.

Evelyn had done the impossible.

Again.