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. Contents belong to NovelDrama.Org

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

Lucas stay here to manage the situation. I’ll return to Phoenicia.”

“Yes, sir,” Cole responded promptly.

Nathan urged, “Go.”

Cole bid farewell with a nod and turned to depart.

Nathan stood composed, awaiting the next development.

Ten minutes passed before Mila and Phoebe emerged from the dormitory. At the sight of Nathan, Mila froze, her smile fading as a look of melancholy and anxiety replaced it.

Their eyes met briefly.

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

“Nate,” Mila greeted politely, her demeanor shifting to one of shyness and modesty in his presence, her femininity and bashfulness evident in her voice.

Nathan’s gaze softened, his tone gentle. “Are you heading back to Phoenicia?”

Mila lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously toying with the hem of her clothes. “Yes.”

“Perfect, I’m heading there too. Mind giving me a lift?” Nathan asked.

Mila looked at him, surprised.

Nathan chuckled softly. “Everyone’s occupied. No one has the time to drive me back.”

Mila replied nervously, her words stumbling over one another, “You can drive. I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to give you a lift. It’s just…”

Nathan’s voice broke the 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.”

Mila’s thoughts churned within her. She hesitated to delve too deeply into any interaction with Nathan for fear of the entanglements it might bring. Yet, despite her reservations, she found solace in his presence, even if it was just sharing a car ride.

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

Mila turned to her. “Phoebe, Nate will be riding with us.”

Phoebe’s expression shifted from surprise to shock, then settled into acceptance as she

offered a polite smile. “General Morrison, please, hop in.”

Nathan approached the back of the car, opened the door, and gestured for Mila to enter. However, she had already opened the passenger seat door and sat there.

He lingered for a moment, a faint smile gracing his lips, before reluctantly settling in the car.

As the car started moving, it halted at the security checkpoint at the compound entrance where they presented their access passes.

A knock came at the window.

As Mila lowered the window, she was met with the sight of Fenna. She was dragging her suitcase, her gaze drifting toward Nathan in the backseat.

“Ms. Hudson, is there something you need?” Mila asked politely.

Fenna’s smile radiated warmth. “Are you all heading back to Phoenicia?”

Mila nodded. “Yeah.”

Fenna’s smile widened. “Would you mind giving me a ride too? It would spare me the expense of a plane ticket.”

Mila pursed her lips, forcing a strained smile. Despite having countless reasons to decline, there was no valid excuse to refuse her request..