Chapter 190

The glass door of the laboratory swung open as a pair of slender legs stepped inside.

The hem of a camel-colored cashmere coat swayed gently with each stride. A white turtleneck sweater accentuated her graceful neck. In her left hand, she carried a Hermès Picotin bag, while her right arm cradled a stack of files.

"Good morning, Professor Klein." Camille Valrose's eyes brightened as she hurried forward to greet him.

Adrian Klein gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping across the lab. "Is everyone here?"

Oliver Lancelot rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Professor Klein, let me introduce our new member—Evelyn Langley. She's two years younger than Camille."

Only then did Camille notice the quiet girl standing in the corner. Her smile froze.

Before Evelyn's arrival, Camille had been the lab's favorite junior researcher. With a master's from Columbia and currently pursuing her PhD at Harvard, her academic brilliance and sweet demeanor had earned her special treatment from senior lab members.

"Hello." Evelyn extended her hand.

Camille barely touched her fingertips before withdrawing, the tiny diamonds on her nails glinting under the lights.

Natalie Blanchet subtly adjusted her glasses, sensing the tension between them.

"Correction." Adrian's voice cut through the air. "Evelyn isn't joining our research team."

The group froze.

"She has her own research direction. She's just borrowing our lab facilities."

His words dropped like a stone into still water. Oliver's eyes widened, while Vincent Macmillan and Natalie exchanged glances.

Camille's nail left a faint scratch on the lab bench.

Adrian led Evelyn to the innermost workstation. "This will be yours. Write your supply needs on the board—they'll be replenished daily."

Evelyn nodded, noticing her name already added to the board.

"If I may ask," Camille spoke suddenly, "which institute are you doing your postdoc at, Evelyn?"

"I'm starting my master's this September."

The lab fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.

Camille's pupils contracted. An undergraduate? Granted an independent project? And receiving special permission from Professor Klein, who never shared his lab?

She mentally scanned Kyoto's prominent families with the surname Langley but came up empty.

Natalie discreetly tugged her sleeve, signaling her to drop it.

Camille pressed her lips together. She knew better than anyone—Adrian cared only for research. This lab was his private domain, and he granted access as he pleased.

Evelyn had already donned gloves and begun calibrating equipment, so absorbed she didn't notice anyone approaching.

At four in the afternoon, Adrian abruptly closed his laptop. "I'm treating everyone to dinner tonight."

Natalie nearly dropped her test tube. The workaholic professor initiating a social gathering?

Both women instinctively glanced at Evelyn.

"To welcome our new member," Natalie quickly recovered. "Perfect timing—my husband's coming home today anyway."

Vincent smiled. "We wouldn't miss a dinner hosted by Professor Klein."

"I'll pass." Camille snapped her laptop shut. "Still have data to process."

Evelyn looked up to see Camille's flawless makeup failing to mask her stormy expression.