Chapter 222

At exactly 2 PM, Evelyn Langley hit save and closed the experimental data document. She returned the test tube rack to its place, hung her lab coat behind the door, and quietly locked the lab.

Around the corner of the hallway, Adrian Klein leaned against the windowsill scrolling through his phone. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled shadows across his profile.

"Grocery shopping?" He pocketed his phone, his gaze landing on the shopping list in her hand.

Evelyn paused mid-step. "How did you know?"

"Vincent posted in the group chat." Adrian took two steps closer. "I'll drive you."

"?"

"The supermarket's a bit far." He jingled his car keys. "I'm heading that way anyway."

"No classes today?"

"Rescheduled."

Truthfully, he didn't need to—but he wanted to.

"Thanks, then." Evelyn exhaled in relief. She'd been calculating ride-share fares; this saved her the trouble.

Inside the supermarket, Adrian pushed the cart while Evelyn checked items off her list. Each time she picked something, he naturally took it from her and placed it in the cart.

At checkout, Adrian swiped his card first. All the grocery bags ended up in his hands, heavy and dangling.

"Let me take some." Evelyn reached for them.

Adrian sidestepped. "Not heavy."

Back home, Evelyn tied up her hair and donned an apron to prep the ingredients. As water rushed from the faucet, she suddenly turned. "Any dietary restrictions I should know about?"

Adrian was peeling garlic. "Vincent's allergic to seafood. The rest are fine."

He washed his hands and stood beside her at the counter. "What can I help with?"

......

By 6 PM, the lab team was ready to leave.

"Professor Macmillan, does Professor Klein know the address?" Camille Valrose asked casually. She'd initially declined the invitation—until seeing Adrian's "I'll be there" in the group chat.

Oliver Lancelot gave his junior a pleased look, assuming his persuasion had worked.

Vincent Macmillan scrolled through his phone. "Sent it ages ago. Strange—he hasn't been back to the lab all afternoon."

"But if he said he's coming, he will. Might head straight there."

Natalie Blanchet's eyes widened. "He's really coming?"

Vincent teased, "What, scared?"

"Who's scared!" Natalie pouted. "It's just... everyone acts so restrained around him..."

"And how exactly did you plan to misbehave?" Vincent laughed. "Good thing he's coming to keep you in check."

"You're the one who needs keeping in check!"

Passing a florist, Natalie was drawn to a cluster of white jasmine, carefully selecting a bouquet. Vincent and Oliver pooled money for two boxes of imported cherries, exquisitely packaged.

The biggest surprise was Camille's gift—a petite perfume bottle.

"Citrus top notes, subtle dry-down." Her tone was even. "Suits you."

"Thank you." Evelyn accepted it, catching a whiff of fresh scent lingering on her fingers.

Natalie craned her neck. "Where's Professor Klein? Should we call him?" She eyed the spread of dishes, the aromas making her fidget.

Vincent had just pulled out his phone when the kitchen door swung open. Adrian emerged carrying a steaming soup bowl, apron strings tied neatly behind him. His movements were practiced, like a regular guest.

Vincent: ?

Everyone: !