Chapter 200

Camille Valrose stood frozen, her fingertips turning cold.

Evelyn Langley's voice was feather-light yet carried the weight of a thousand pounds.

"You're right, senior. Research does require rigor." She paused. "But true scientific spirit also means humbly accepting others' input."

The lab's fluorescent lights washed Camille's face ghostly pale.

Those words sliced through her arrogance like a scalpel.

Her nails dug deep into her palms, yet she felt no pain.

......

The late-night apartment was so quiet she could hear the clock ticking.

Evelyn collapsed onto the couch, too exhausted to lift a finger.

Her lashes fluttered briefly before she drifted into shallow sleep.

Meanwhile, the nightclub in the northern district was reaching its peak frenzy.

Julian Roscente lounged in the VIP booth, swirling amber liquor in his glass.

The dance floor pulsed with gyrating bodies. His gaze skimmed over the sea of scantily clad figures.

"Julian, hiding out here?" Dylan Lowell sidled up with his drink. "Don't tell me you're scared of losing?"

Julian scoffed. "The word 'fear' isn't in my vocabulary."

He jerked his chin toward the dance floor. "See that one in the black dress? Tonight's lucky winner."

Dylan frowned. "You'll get burned playing with fire like this."

"Relax. I'm more reliable than a condom." Julian swirled his glass lazily. "Still sulking in there?"

"You'd be pissed too if a kid dropped into your lap out of nowhere."

Julian grinned. "Free son sounds great. My mom's been nagging me for grandkids."

"Shut it." Dylan lowered his voice. "If Nathan hears that, that kid'll be on your birth certificate by tomorrow."

Julian's expression soured instantly. "Hell no. That's a blessing I can't handle."

He was infamous for his playboy antics, but never reckless enough to get burned.

Just then, the private room door swung open.

Nathan Evans strode out, jacket in hand, face stormy. "Get the car. We're leaving."