The Wrong Woman

314

Nathan stepped out of the dormitory with Cole.

Standing on the deserted roadside, Nathan halted, his expression grave as he gazed into the distance, his eyes clouded with melancholy.

Cole asked in puzzlement, “General Morrison, why not ask her directly?”

Nathan replied bitterly, “Ask her what?”

“She clearly stated she’s a scientist from Sunterland and has signed a 15–year contract,” Cole explained.

Nathan’s smile turned rueful as he turned to Cole, his gaze dimming and his voice heavy with resignation. “Do you understand the significance of a scientist committing such a long–term contract with the country?”

Cole shook his head.

After a moment’s contemplation, Nathan asserted, “What we heard today must remain strictly confidential. Not a word of it should leave this place.” Chapter

“Understood, General Morrison,” Cole replied, still intrigued by the mysterious depth of Mila’s scientific abilities.

Glancing back at the dormitory, Nathan issued an instruction after a brief

pause.

“You and

manage the

sir,” Cole responded promptly.

Nathan urged, “Go.”

farewell with a nod and

composed, awaiting

the sight of Nathan, Mila froze, her smile fading as a look of melancholy

met briefly.

approached. Meanwhile, Phoebe headed straight to the car, dragging her luggage and stowing it in

modesty in his presence, her femininity and bashfulness evident in her

softened, his tone gentle. “Are you heading back to

toying with the hem of her

I’m heading there too. Mind giving me

at him, surprised.

has the time

mean, it’s not that I don’t want to give you a lift.

silence, smooth as the surface of a serene lake. “I’ve been feeling quite tired lately. It wouldn’t be wise for me to drive.”

for fear of the entanglements it might bring. Yet, despite her reservations, she found solace in his presence, even if it

and brought the car to a stop. “Mila, come on.”

Nate

from surprise to shock, then settled