Her heartbeat jumped, small but telling. “Of course, Your Majesty. I’ll keep you informed.”
“And Doctor Lean stays on the project,” I added.
“Of course,” she said quickly. “But I’ll manage her updates personally.”
“Good,” I replied. “Then every result—good or bad—will be your responsibility.”
Her smile faltered. “I understand.”
I could almost hear her swallow.
The tension lingered, tight and thick. Evelyn shifted, reaching for the folder again, her fingers brushing mine a second time.
She didn’t pull away.
Neither did I.
Her pulse skipped. Mine didn’t.
“Is there anything else you’d like clarified?” she asked. Her tone was calm, but her eyes were searching—curious, measuring.
“Plenty,” I said. “But you wouldn’t answer honestly.”
That made her laugh softly, almost nervously. “I s
