Chapter 228

Chloe Valentine shuddered, her breath catching in her throat.

She stumbled up the stairs without daring to look back.

......

The lab's atmosphere had subtly shifted.

Since the last team dinner, Evelyn Langley noticed her colleagues' gazes had softened.

The credit went to her daily homemade lunches.

Her perfectly seasoned dishes had won everyone over.

In return, Natalie Blanchet and others often helped her troubleshoot experiments.

The most dramatic change was in Vincent Macmillan.

After Evelyn flawlessly reconstructed his mental calculation theory, the math enthusiast's eyes lit up with newfound respect.

Now he seized every opportunity to teach her advanced calculation techniques.

Evelyn absorbed the lessons with startling speed.

Methods taught in morning sessions were mastered by afternoon.

Vincent vibrated with excitement like an artisan discovering uncut jade.

"Struck gold, have you?" Natalie teased.

"Professor, take me as your protégé too!" Oliver Lancelot raised his hand dramatically.

Vincent didn't glance up. "Finish your data analysis first."

Laughter rippled through the lab.

Evelyn pressed her lips together, eyes crinkling into crescents.

She missed Adrian Klein calling her name three times.

"Evelyn Langley!"

"Yes, Professor Klein?"

"My office. Now."

......

At dawn the next day,

Vincent stared blankly at a thick stack of documents.

Natalie leaned in. "Trouble? Did the director reprimand you?"

"New research focus." He sighed. "No more time for Evelyn's lessons."

This project demanded his exclusive attention.

Though regrettable, lab priorities came first.

Natalie patted his shoulder. "The capable bear the burden."

......

Saturday sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Evelyn had just set down her bag when her phone rang.

"Eve! Emergency!" Sophia Laurent's panicked voice crackled through. "My cousin's wedding—Mom's dragging me gift shopping, but my project's at the critical phase—"

"You want me to accompany your mother?"

"You read my mind! She adores you—always says she wishes you were her daughter."

Evelyn chuckled. "What time tomorrow?"

......

Adrian massaged his temples.

After thirty-six consecutive work hours, dizziness blurred his vision.

His key had barely touched the lock when the opposite door swung open.