Chapter 296

Chapter 296
【Luna's Perspective】

"Max," I spoke urgently into my phone as Violet navigated through traffic, "I have Noah's blood sample. What should I do now?"

"What happened?" Max's voice tensed immediately.

"I encountered Noah and Grace in a VIP fitting room. There was a confrontation, and I managed to draw his blood. I've preserved the sample." I glanced at the small evidence bag in my hand, the stained blade safely sealed inside.

"Send me your location immediately," Max instructed. "Go to the nearest police station and wait for me there. Don't speak to anyone about this."

Within ten minutes of our arrival at the Washington DC police precinct, three black SUVs and an armored sedan pulled up outside. Max emerged from the lead vehicle, flanked by Kevin and a security team in tactical gear.

I handed the blood sample to Max, who immediately passed it to a specialist in a white lab coat. The man placed it carefully in a temperature-controlled container.

"Let's go," Max said, guiding me toward the armored sedan. "Dr. Lewis is waiting at the medical center."

In the state-of-the-art DNA analysis laboratory, Dr. Lewis greeted us personally, his team already preparing their equipment.

I recognized the advanced DNA sequencers and PCR machines—equipment I'd once used regularly in my previous life.

Three hours later, Dr. Lewis approached us in the waiting area, his expression somber.

"We've completed the preliminary analysis," he reported, "but we need a reference sample from William Blake for comparison."

"What about the system database?" Max asked.

Dr. Lewis shook his head. "Strangely, all DNA records for William Blake have vanished from our systems."

In the medical center director's office, Max sat rigidly on a leather sofa while the director frantically searched multiple databases. I quietly leafed through William's medical records, searching for any overlooked information.

Detective Thompson and a Pentagon security liaison arrived shortly after.

"Mr. Morrison," they greeted simultaneously.

"Any findings?" Max asked coldly.

Thompson sighed. "I'm sorry, Mr. Morrison. There's no trace of William Blake's DNA in the national database."

"The Pentagon's medical samples are also missing," the liaison added grimly.

The medical director wiped sweat from his brow. "Our center's records are equally empty. It's as if Dr. Blake never existed in our system."

Max let out a bitter laugh, leaning back against the sofa and covering his eyes momentarily. The pressure in the room was palpable as everyone awaited his response.

"Kevin," he finally said.

"Yes, sir?"

"Dispatch investigation teams to all relevant departments. Find any potential Shadow operatives."

"Understood, sir."

---

That evening, Max returned to the Blake mansion where I had been anxiously waiting.

"Max, you're back," I said, rising to greet him.

He stroked my hair gently. "Were you frightened today?"

I smiled smugly. "Not really. I'm not that fragile. Noah won't be walking comfortably for a while after the knee I delivered."

Max laughed softly. "Impressive. I almost feel sorry for him."

In our private sitting room, I leaned closer to Max. "Did you identify him? Is Noah actually William?"

Max shook his head. "We couldn't confirm it. Every DNA record of William has been systematically erased, even previously stored samples."

"No wonder he seemed so confident today," I muttered. "He's already eliminated all traces."

"He likely became suspicious after I attempted to obtain his DNA at his wedding with Skyler," Max reasoned. "With his presidential campaign approaching, getting close to him will become even more difficult."

"He's dangerous," I whispered. "He leaves no loose ends."

Max squeezed my hand. "Your safety is my primary concern now."

"Don't worry. Besides Violet, I'll bring additional security whenever I go out."

"Project Azure will be launching soon," Max said. "You'll need to prepare to accompany me to the Langley headquarters."

I hesitated. "What about Liam? He's still so young. Should we leave him with my parents or yours?"

"We'll bring him with us," Max decided. "He can stay with us until he starts school."

"All right."

At dinner, my grandfather's curiosity finally surfaced.

"I know about Max's position and work," Grandfather George said, "but I've never been clear about what my granddaughter actually does. It's all very mysterious."

"Dad, Luna used to work at the European Union Chemical Research Institute," my mother explained.

"What's that?" he pressed.

"She hasn't shared details," Mother replied. "It's a government-related research facility. We didn't ask too many questions."

"That's right, Dad," my father added. "If she doesn't explain, she must have her reasons. As long as it's nothing illegal."

I turned to Max. "Do American research institutions have strict confidentiality protocols?"

"At Morrison Group, top scientists receive tremendous respect as valuable assets," Max explained. "Secrecy mainly shields against external threats, while the internal environment remains relatively open."

I took a deep breath. "Grandfather, Mom, Dad—I'm actually a chemical scientist and military engineering specialist. My primary work involves developing chemical compounds for military applications, including Light Matter technology and the Azure Liquid project."

Grandfather's fork clattered against his plate. "You're... a military chemical scientist?"

"Didn't you always invest tremendous resources in my education, expecting me to become exceptional?" I challenged gently.

"Of course," he replied, visibly moved. "I always hoped you would excel, but I never imagined you'd achieve such prominence in this field. No wonder you needed to reclaim your Blake identity."

After dinner, we gathered in the living room for dessert when Kevin and Violet arrived.

"Kevin, Violet," my mother welcomed them, "please sit down and have some dessert."

"Sir, I have a personal matter to discuss," Kevin said, standing uncomfortably beside Max.

"Sit down and tell me," Max replied.

Kevin fidgeted nervously. "Sir, I wanted to... I wanted to..."

"We plan to get married before Project Azure officially launches," Violet announced decisively.

"Wonderful news!" my mother exclaimed. "Such a joyous occasion deserves a proper celebration."

"Congratulations," my grandfather and father echoed.

"Why are you looking at me?" Max asked Kevin. "You're not marrying me. You don't need my approval."

"Thank you, sir," Kevin replied, relieved.

"Will you invite us?" Max inquired.

"Of course, sir."

"Where will you hold it? What kind of wedding?" I asked.

"In Kevin's hometown," Violet explained. "A traditional American ceremony following local customs. It will be quite festive."

"Kevin, have you sorted out housing? Does the company need to provide—" Max began.

"Not necessary, sir," Kevin interrupted. "I've already purchased an apartment downtown. Paid in full."

As they discussed wedding details, I found myself unexpectedly emotional. Watching Violet—who had grown up in an orphanage without family—finding happiness with someone who truly loved her filled my heart with joy. Tears welled in my eyes before I could stop them.

"Why are you crying?" Max asked gently.

"Luna, if you think the timing is inappropriate, we can postpone," Violet offered immediately.

"Don't be ridiculous," I protested, wiping my eyes. "These are happy tears. I'm not crying."