Chapter 43

The scratching of Evelyn Langley's pen filled the quiet library under the warm glow of lamps.

Both final exam questions had stumped her.

She chewed on her pen cap, deep in thought. A similar problem from a specialized textbook suddenly came to mind.

Rising from her seat, she moved toward the reference section. Her fingers glided swiftly across the book spines.

As she located her target material, her peripheral vision caught the title Genetic Sequence Recombination & Fusion.

Almost unconsciously, she pulled the book from the shelf.

The opening paragraph made her pupils contract.

The theory aligned perfectly with her current research project.

She devoured the pages with growing urgency, her breathing unconsciously slowing.

Her phone's vibration snapped her back to reality.

Sophia Laurent's WeChat icon blinked: Guess where I am?

Evelyn paused mid-sentence: You're on campus?

Beneath the shade of trees, Sophia waved a food container at her.

"Just dropping off some love-packed lunch on my way."

The aroma made Evelyn's stomach growl audibly.

"Not joining me?"

Sophia massaged her temples. "Eight hours of sleep in three days. Need to see my dad now."

She suddenly lowered her voice. "This project involves the Evans family—"

"Stop." Evelyn shoved a parasol into her hands. "Be careful."

Sophia shrugged helplessly at the words Evans Corporation on her documents.

——

In the hospital room, Nathan Evans yanked the IV needle from his hand.

Blood droplets trailed down his fingers as he indifferently pressed a tissue to the wound.

"Mr. Evans! You can't discharge yourself!" The nurse blocked his path in panic.

A single glare silenced her.

He grabbed his jacket and strode out. The antiseptic smell twisted his stomach.

His phone vibrated violently in his pocket.

Margaret Evans' furious voice exploded through the receiver: "Get back here now!"

Nathan powered off the device, shutting out the world beyond his car window.