?Chapter 855:


    Wesley stared at her, momentarily speechless. “You’re expecting my team to work for Kason without getting paid?”


    Elena’s brows knitted together. “Edgewing’s research results are to be sold to the military anyway. Partnering up will save both sides money and give Edgewing a bigger foothold in the process.”


    Wesley wasn’t worried about the money. What he truly cared about was keeping Elena and Kason from getting too close, and if that meant inserting himself into the situation, he had no problem doing it. He threw a nce at Kason, his voice casual but firm. “For her sake, I’ll have Edgewing’s lead researcher sent over.”


    Kason, fully aware of Edgewing’s capabilities, didn’t hesitate. Their involvement could only strengthen the project. He gave a brief nod. “I’ll take care of the arrangements.”


    Now that everything was decided, Wesley didn’t linger around. Without another word, he grabbed Elena’s hand and pulled her away from the scene.


    Once in the car, Wesley remained quiet, his expression unreadable. Elena, never one to force conversation, simply leaned back in her seat, matching his silence with her own.


    Neither of them spoke a word for the entire ride to Wesley’s ce, the tension thickening with every passing mile.


    The moment they stepped through the door, Wesley wasted no time. He turned and pinned Elena firmly against it, his emotions finally breaking through the cracks.


    “So, what—are you interested in Kason?” Wesley’s eyes were dark and unreadable, but the anger on his face was in as day.


    Elena found herself pressed against the door, his hand behind her back cushioning the impact. Even when pissed off, he made sure not to cause her harm. She didn’t owe him an exnation, but that small act of care softened her heart.


    “No,” Elena said tly. “You’re jumping to conclusions.” She wasn’t the kind of woman to fall head over heels for every guy who smiled at her.


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    Wesley’s brow tightened, eyes narrowing. “Then why the hell are you so dead-set on joining the military research institute?”


    Elena let out a quiet breath. She’d already said this—she wanted to get into the Azure Dragon Unit’s base to find her mentor. Kason just happened to be her only way in. Plus, what Kason revealed had pissed her off too—Houis soldiers were getting pushed around by another country’s, and their hands were tied because the weapons they had were practically antiques. As someone from Houis, she couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.


    She’did it all out already, but Wesley still wasn’t buying it. And honestly? She was tired of trying to convince him. She stayed calm and said, “He’s my only way into the Azure Dragon base. That’s all.” She looked honest. No trace of a lie in her voice or eyes.


    Wesley didn’t say anything, but—for now—he believed her. But one thing still burned in his chest. “Then why did you hold his hand?”


    Elena blinked, confused. “What are you even talking about?”


    Wesley’s voice was like ice. “Don’t think I didn’t see it. You were the one who initiated the hand-holding with Kason.”


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