Chapter 242

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled patterns on the hardwood floor.

Evelyn Roland stood by the window, her fingertips lightly tapping against the frame.

She narrowed her eyes.

Just as she suspected.

The person tailing her on campus this afternoon was from this special forces unit.

Not those mysterious foreign operatives in black.

"If those foreigners hadn't intervened, you'd still be lurking in the shadows, wouldn't you?" She turned to face the man, meeting his gaze head-on. "Now that you're exposed, why keep up the act?"

Julian Roland arched an eyebrow.

This woman was sharper than he'd anticipated.

Not only had she detected their surveillance, but she'd also pieced everything together in record time.

Interesting.

Their operation had been flawless—until that slip-up at Stanford University.

And he never expected foreign agents to make their move so soon.

To prevent the Divine Elixir's secrets from falling into the wrong hands, he had no choice but to reveal himself.

"I can let you go," Julian crossed his arms. "On one condition. Tell me what you know about the Divine Elixir."

"No comment."

Evelyn's reply was crisp and final.

She countered, "Why is a special forces unit after the Divine Elixir?"

Their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

"I'll give you time to reconsider," Julian said.

Evelyn smirked. "No need."

"Are you sure?"

"As sure as you are about not revealing your motives."

Julian was momentarily speechless.

This woman wasn't just clever—she had a sharp tongue too.

"Then stay put."

He turned on his heel and left, posting guards outside.

When Evelyn tried to follow, they blocked her path.

Back in her room, she discovered her phone was missing.

Damn it!

She punched the mattress in frustration.

Now she was completely cut off from the outside world.

...

The Roland family villa glowed with warm light.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home."

The moment Julian stepped inside, his sister Isabella Langley threw herself into his arms.

"Big brother!" She clung to his arm. "We made all your favorite dishes!"

Their younger brother Alexander Roland joined in. "Let me see if your muscles got even bigger!"

The two hung off him like koalas.

Julian chuckled helplessly as he distributed gifts to his family.

Under the cozy lighting, the household was filled with laughter and joy.

No one could have guessed that the image of that stubborn woman still lingered in his thoughts.