Chapter 308

Linda Lombardi latched onto the word "broke" like a lifeline. She slammed the mahjong table with such force that the tiles clattered violently.

"Can't find a man to sleep with?" she screeched. "Sleep with one and get paid! Do I have to spell it out for you?"

Chloe Valentine's grip on her phone turned her knuckles white. "Where would I even find someone? Who'd want me now?"

The line went silent for several beats.

Linda narrowed her eyes, finally registering the odd note in her daughter's voice. She hurried out of the noisy game room and locked herself in a bathroom stall.

"What about that rich boyfriend of yours?" she hissed. "Last time you said you were marrying into money!"

Chloe's nose stung as hot tears spilled over. Her story came out in broken fragments, dissolving into sobs by the end.

"What?!" Linda's voice spiked. "They're dumping you after sleeping together and getting you pregnant?"

Her eyes darted craftily before lowering her voice. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll bring your brother. This isn't over!"

......

In the lab, Evelyn Langley stared fixedly at her computer screen.

Her thesis was in the final stretch, and she'd practically moved into the laboratory. Natalie Blanchet clicked her tongue while passing by. "Trying to become immortal through sleep deprivation?"

Evelyn rubbed her burning eyes. Without a research team, she had no choice but to push herself.

At lunchtime, she headed to the break room as usual. With Adrian Klein teaching all day, she'd have the space to herself.

She stretched luxuriously before pushing open the inner door.

Adrian had voluntarily given up this break room for her. The windowless back room stayed cool and dark—perfect for napping. She'd set up a folding bed behind the door, maintaining both privacy and space efficiency.

Natalie and Vincent Macmillan had been impressed during their first visit. "Genius spot," they'd said. "Cool and shaded."

Oliver Lancelot and Camille Valrose had also dropped by. Oliver marveled at the spaciousness while Camille studied the folding bed for a long moment.

"Decent," she'd finally remarked. "At least it's far enough away."

......

Adrian hadn't planned to visit the lab.

But a student spilled soup on his shirt during lunch, leaving an oil stain. Remembering his spare clothes in the break room, he decided to change.

He eased the door open carefully, not wanting to disturb anyone who might be resting inside.