Chapter 260

The massive gates of the secret training facility in Swallow County slowly creaked open, revealing its military-grade interior. The sleek black Patton vehicle rolled through the entrance, carrying two unexpected visitors.

Oliver stepped out first, his polished shoes meeting the gravel with precision. Evelyn followed, her eyes widening at the sight of disciplined troops drilling in the distance. A muscular figure approached with Chloe, who looked strikingly different in her crisp uniform and beret - every inch the formidable soldier rather than the cheerful girl Evelyn knew.

"Evelyn!" Chloe's face lit up as she broke into a jog toward them. "What are you doing here?" Her combat boots kicked up dust with each eager step.

Oliver cleared his throat. "Ms. Vanderbilt will be training with us." His tone left no room for argument.

Chloe's smile faltered. She turned to Evelyn with concern. "Has Nathan lost his mind? This place isn't for..." Her voice trailed off as Oliver interrupted.

"It was Elder Master Goldmann's decision." The unspoken warning in his words made Chloe press her lips together.

Evelyn watched the silent exchange, understanding dawning. Theodore Goldmann was testing her. The realization sent both apprehension and determination coursing through her veins.

"Anyway," Chloe brightened, pulling the man beside her forward. "Evelyn, meet Harrison - mine and Oliver's older brother."

Harrison's keen eyes assessed Evelyn with professional detachment, though curiosity flickered beneath the surface. He'd heard much about Nathan's mysterious wife from Chloe's letters.

"Welcome, Ms. Vanderbilt," he said with a respectful nod, scratching his stubbled chin.

"Please, just call me Evelyn." She offered a small smile. "I'm here to train like everyone else for the next two weeks."

Chloe exchanged a doubtful glance with her brothers. The last female recruit had lasted three days before quitting. "Our training regimen is... intense."

Evelyn squared her shoulders. "I'll manage."

Something in her tone made Chloe's eyes spark with admiration. This was why Nathan had chosen her.

"Let me show you around, Zoe," Chloe said, using the affectionate nickname.

As they walked toward the barracks, Harrison turned to Oliver. "What's Elder Master thinking? She looks like a strong wind could knock her over."

Oliver adjusted his glasses. "Theodore's orders are clear - no special treatment. If she can't survive the fortnight, she'll never be accepted into the family."

Harrison whistled low. "Harsh."

Meanwhile, Chloe led Evelyn past groups of saluting cadets to the women's quarters. The shared rooms were spartan but clean, each containing two neatly made beds and basic amenities. Two sets of training fatigues lay folded at the foot of one bed.

The door burst open as a ponytailed girl juggling water bottles nearly dropped them at the sight of Chloe. "Captain Lawson! I didn't expect-"

"At ease, Rachel." Chloe gestured for the flustered recruit to approach. "This is your new bunkmate, Evelyn Vanderbilt. Evelyn, meet Rachel Dixon - our youngest recruit at nineteen."

Rachel wiped her palm on her pants before extending it. "Hi! Everyone calls me Rye. You can too!"

Evelyn shook the offered hand firmly. "Just Evelyn is fine."

"You two get acquainted," Chloe said, already moving toward the door. "Rachel can show you the ropes. And Evelyn?" She paused, her expression softening. "My door's always open if you need anything."

As Chloe's footsteps faded down the hall, Rachel turned to Evelyn with undisguised curiosity. "So... what's a fancy lady like you doing in hell's boot camp?"

Evelyn smiled as she ran her fingers over the coarse fabric of her new uniform. "Proving I belong."