?Chapter 853:


    Wesley regarded Malcolm with a look full of scorn. His expression clearly showed that Malcolm was utterly insignificantpared to Elena.


    Incredulous at Wesley’s reaction, Malcolm seethed silently. Resigned, he snatched up his ss and gulped it down. “Fine, I brought this on myself.”


    Wesley remained unbothered by Malcolm’s irritation, his thoughts solely on Elena’s reaction.


    Elena offered a nod, her tone light. “Your aim is quite impressive.”


    Wesley’s frustration dissolved at her words, and his smile deepened. As Kason walked into the room, Wesley casually wrapped an arm around Elena’s waist and escorted her to the sofa.


    Noticing the shift, the others discreetly cleared a space for the couple. A ss of wine was handed to Wesley, who then nced down and sipped it cautiously.


    Wesley, arm around Elena, reclined with an air of indifference, his gaze piercingly set on Kason. His silence was loud, clearly marking his territory without a word.


    Kason understood the unspoken deration. His face stayed neutral, but a shadow briefly crossed his expression, hinting at deeper thoughts. Feeling the rising tension, Malcolm stepped in with a distraction, offering Kason a seat. “Congrattions on your promotion to major general, Kason. It’s no surprise you’re so precise—ten bullseyes straight!”


    Kason’s response was a tight-lipped silence.


    As the room’s atmosphere hinted at forting serious discussions, Malcolm gestured for the others to exit, leaving just the three behind.


    Francesca lingered at the back and watched, captivated by the unfolding drama. Her gaze flitted between Elena, Wesley, and Kason. What a sight to behold! Wasn’t this the perfect love triangle, just like something one would see in a soap opera? The two men were locked in a rivalry, eachpeting for the heroine’s heart and pushing her to make a choice. The real question was, though, who was the true male lead—Wesley or Kason?


    Francesca’s imagination was already spinning a full-blown drama in her head. She was reluctant to leave, yet her brother decisively pulled her away, pushing her out the door.


    The click of the door sealed the room with only Wesley, Kason, and Elena remaining.


    Despite the previouspetition’s unresolved oue, Kason wasn’t ready to drop his persuasive efforts to recruit Elena for the military research institute. With a shift in demeanor to something more grave, he said, “Just yesterday at 4:25 p.m., Avaloria escted tensions by encroaching on our southern waters with a warship, resulting in injuries to three of our soldiers.”


    As Kason delivered the details, the mood became increasingly somber. Elena’s face showed signs of concern, and Wesley, previously rxed, sharpened his gaze.


    “This isn’t an isted incident. Avaloria has long been a leader in military technology, frequently challenging our borders while our responses are restrained.” Kason took a moment and then said to Elena, his voice earnest, “The military needs your expertise, Elena.”


    As a major general, Kason’s authority left little room for argument. Elena’s expression sharpened as she straightened her posture, her voice steady. “I can join the military research facility…”


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