Chapter 191

The air in the private dining room froze instantly.

Camille Valrose's rejection doused everyone's enthusiasm like a bucket of ice water.

Oliver Lancelot's temples glistened with sweat as he forced a smile. "Camille, I ran simulations on your dataset all night. We'll need at least twelve more hours." His eyes darted toward the man at the head of the table. "Besides, Professor Klein rarely has time to—"

The words flipped an invisible switch.

Camille's knuckles whitened around her napkin. She lifted her gaze across the table where the man's slender fingers idly rotated a crystal glass, his wristbone gleaming under the chandelier.

"...Fine." She finally relented.

Oliver slumped in relief, though disappointment flickered in his eyes.

It was always like this.

Only mentioning Professor Klein could make this ice princess bend.

......

The hidden restaurant nestled deep in an alleyway.

Natalie Blanchet clicked her tongue while perusing the menu. "Their signature Sichuan fish is to die for. They airfreight the chilies directly from the region."

"Order whatever you want, Evelyn." Oliver slid the gilded menu toward Evelyn Langley. "Professor Klein's treating us—a rare opportunity."

Natalie snorted. "Finally telling the truth, Ollie?"

"Natalie!" Oliver clutched his chest dramatically. "You're ruining my image in front of our junior!"

Laughter rippled through the group.

Evelyn sipped her lemon water, the tartness blooming on her tongue.

Only Camille remained glued to her phone, diamond-studded nails tapping impatiently against the screen.

"I ordered the yam soup for you," Oliver whispered, leaning closer. "And that dish you mentioned last time—"

"Enough." Camille snapped her phone shut, then paused at the menu. "...Whatever."

Oliver beamed.

"Ollie's been chasing her for three years," Natalie murmured to Evelyn. "The whole lab sees it except Camille."

Evelyn gave a quiet acknowledgment.

"Speaking of which," Natalie suddenly turned to her, "someone as lovely as you must have an impressive boyfriend."

A glass thudded against marble.

Adrian Klein stood to take a call, leaving behind a faint trace of pine cologne.

"Currently single," Evelyn answered calmly.

Natalie tactfully changed the subject.

Servers began bringing dishes. Crimson chili oil shimmered in porcelain bowls, steam rising to obscure everyone's expressions.