Chapter 382

"I've spoken with her several times, but she's too stubborn." Adrian Klein adjusted his glasses. "You know Professor Roland—she won't back down until she hits a wall."

Evelyn Langley had already sensed the issue.

She'd tactfully suggested changes to Professor Eleanor Roland before, only to be dismissed with "insufficient data." The professor insisted altering their research direction now would waste two years of effort.

"Are you free this Saturday? We should discuss how to convince her in person."

"Saturday..." Evelyn bit her lower lip. "Sorry, I already have plans."

Adrian blinked in surprise. "No problem. We'll reschedule."

"Okay."

......

At dawn on Saturday, Evelyn met Hannah Flores outside Liam Kalmien's apartment building.

The concierge had been notified in advance and granted them entry after verifying their identities.

Her phone buzzed with Liam's message: [Come straight up]

Evelyn gazed up at the luxury high-rise, sunlight glaring off its glass facade.

"Wow, Liam's full of surprises," Hannah remarked, impressed.

This penthouse in the city center was registered under Liam's name—they'd seen the ownership details during check-in.

"Come in. There are new slippers in the closet."

The smart lock disengaged as the elevator doors opened on the twelfth floor. Liam stood at the entrance in loungewear, his tone neutral.

"What would you like to drink?"

Hannah's eyes lit up. "Got any Coke?"

"Diet or regular?"

"Regular, obviously! Diet tastes like dishwater!"

Liam didn't respond, turning to Evelyn instead. "And you?"

"Room temperature water."

She'd never been particular about beverages.

After changing into slippers, Evelyn surveyed the space. The apartment's minimalist decor—monochrome with cool undertones—mirrored Liam's own detached demeanor.

Hannah explored like an excited child, pausing at a display case. "What's this? Art?"

She pointed at an unusual skeletal specimen.

"Decoration." Liam didn't look up.

"So unique! Where'd you get it? Link please!"

"Can't buy it."

"Why not?"

"Real human bones."

"!!"

Hannah recoiled three meters instantly.

The corner of Liam's mouth twitched. "Kidding. I'll send you the link later."

Hannah glared.

This guy was absolutely insane. Certifiably.

Evelyn had already opened her laptop. "Three datasets aren't huge, but not trivial either. Let's get started."

"Right." They all focused immediately.

Their efficiency surpassed expectations.

Liam performed as anticipated—flawless professionalism with encyclopedic knowledge.

What truly surprised Evelyn was Hannah.

Though her theoretical foundation wasn't as solid as Liam's, the girl possessed photographic memory and razor-sharp thinking.

Hannah: "..."

Was that a compliment or an insult?