Chapter 223

Natalie Blanchet's tongue seemed tied in knots, unable to squeeze out a single word.

The lab members exchanged glances, the air so thick with tension you could wring water from it.

"P-Professor..." Oliver Lancelot's gaze darted between Adrian Klein and Evelyn Langley like he'd discovered a new continent.

Camille Valrose's lips pressed into a tight line, frost gathering in her eyes.

"Adrian, what kind of show are you putting on?" Vincent Macmillan broke the silence bluntly.

Adrian rested his slender fingers against the doorframe. "Helping out. Isn't it obvious?"

"Helping all the way to Evelyn's apartment? How... thoughtful." Vincent teased.

Adrian arched an eyebrow. "Better a good neighbor than some people waiting to be served."

"Neighbor? What do you mean?"

Evelyn quickly explained, "Professor Klein lives across the hall. This afternoon when I left the lab to buy groceries, I ran into him driving to the supermarket. He gave me a ride."

"Oh." Natalie exhaled in relief.

For a moment she'd thought there was something shady going on between them!

Oliver wiped cold sweat from his brow. Thank goodness it was just a misunderstanding.

The gloom lifted from Camille's face. "Should we eat?"

"Yes, yes!" Natalie nodded eagerly.

Evelyn gestured, "Everyone take a seat. Just two more dishes coming right up!"

The atmosphere at the table gradually warmed.

Natalie raved about the sweet and sour ribs while Oliver devoured three bowls of rice.

Even diet-conscious Camille couldn't resist an extra half portion.

Damn that spicy fish—it was too good with rice...

After dinner, Evelyn saw the guests out.

To be precise, Evelyn and Adrian saw the guests out together.

Though they knew the two were just neighbors, their side-by-side figures created an oddly harmonious picture.

Natalie kept glancing back, sensing something amiss.

Oliver hovered near Camille. "It's late—let me walk you home?"

"No need. I drove."

"Then... be careful."

Camille got in her car but didn't start the engine immediately. She scrolled through her contacts and dialed a number.

"Still in real estate?"

"Just scraping by. What brings you to me?"

Camille bit her lower lip. "I want to rent an apartment near Harvard. Must be a walk-up, close to the library."

"A walk-up? You sure?"

The voice on the other end clearly hesitated.

"Positive."

"The only place matching that... is the old faculty housing by the south gate."

Camille's eyes lit up. "Perfect!"

"But the area's run down, no property management..."

"Doesn't matter. Find it quickly."

Hanging up, Camille gripped the steering wheel.

If Evelyn Langley could do it, so could Camille Valrose.