The Wrong Woman

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

stay here to manage the situation. I’ll return

sir,” Cole responded promptly.

Nathan urged, “Go.”

nod

awaiting the next development.

Phoebe emerged from the dormitory. At the sight of Nathan, Mila froze, her smile fading as a look of melancholy and

met briefly.

Phoebe headed straight to the car, dragging her luggage and stowing it in the trunk,

one of shyness and modesty in his presence, her femininity and bashfulness evident

“Are you

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

giving me a lift?” Nathan asked.

looked at

chuckled softly. “Everyone’s occupied. No one has the time

nervously, her words stumbling over one another, “You can drive. I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to give

surface of a serene lake. “I’ve been feeling quite tired lately. It wouldn’t be wise for me to

within her. She hesitated to delve too deeply into any interaction with Nathan for fear of the entanglements it might bring.

secured the luggage and brought the car to a