?Chapter 845:


    Elsewhere, Wesley had just exited Spencer Manor and immediately tried to reach Elena by phone. There was no answer.


    At that moment, Elena sat inside a quiet café, sipping coffee with someone across the table. A cappino sat in front of her, while opposite her was Kason, absent from her life for quite some time.


    Her eyes dropped briefly to his shoulder. “Congrattions on the promotion, Major General.”


    Thest time they’d met, he was still a captain. Now, just like that, he had jumped to major general. It was no mystery why people believed he’d surpass Kirby someday. His rapid climb through the ranks had left even seasoned officers stunned.


    Elena, however, wasn’t the least bit surprised. She watched Kason from across the table, taking in the changes. He looked leaner than before, his skin darkened by the sun, and there was a sharper edge to the way he carried himself. Everything about him said he’d juste back from some serious missions.


    Kason’s short-cropped hair emphasized the angles of his face, and his high nose bridge added to his stern,posed demeanor. He didn’t speak much, but his authority was impossible to miss. The deep tan only emphasized the sharp lines of his face, lending him an even more grounded,manding presence.


    Unlike Malcolm or Wesley, Kason carried no trace of business-world craftiness—his strength came from grit, not negotiation—and that made Elena respect him even more.


    With a level tone, Elena asked, “What is it that you want, Major General?”


    Kason’s eyes flickered briefly. Her calm reaction didn’t surprise him—it suited her. To him, Elena had always been distinct. Unshakable. Someone who left an impression without trying.


    A slight movement in his throat betrayed his restraint as his voice softened, saying, “You helped Edgewing develop a new weapon. Impressive work.”


    Elena said nothing, simply arching a brow. Compliments weren’t his style—he hadn’te all this way for ttery.


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    As expected, Kason got straight to the point. “I’m here representing the military. We’d like you to join the research institute.”


    The military research institute? That caught Elena off guard. She knew how secretive those ces were. Her brother Ellis worked at one—and even during breaks, national security kept a close eye on him. What could a ce so hidden and selective possibly want someone like her? The question was written all over her face.


    Kason’s expression shifted. Gone was the casual edge. “You’re brilliant, Elena. And we need people like you.”


    Before she could answer, a voice cut through the quiet from the entrance. “She’s not interested.”


    Elena’s gaze shifted as Wesley entered the room. Kason’s eyes followed hers, noticing Wesley as well.


    Approaching with a stern demeanor, Wesley pulled up a chair and seated himself next to Elena. His piercing stare settled on Kason, filling the space between them with tangible tension.


    As Wesley absentmindedly twirled his ring, his expression remained stoic, yet his eyes carried a silent, undeniable weight of intimidation. Elena, familiar with Wesley’s moods, sensed his irritation immediately. What could be troubling him?


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