Chapter 47

Ryan Clementson truly lived up to being Professor Eleanor Roland's most prized student.

Though his research focus differed from Evelyn Langley's, their academic discussion flowed with surprising harmony.

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with excitement.

She was preparing for her graduate school entrance exams. While she had mastered the fundamentals, cutting-edge research remained unfamiliar territory.

Absorbing vast amounts of literature wasn't an overnight task.

As a current graduate student, Ryan naturally held an advantage over Evelyn, who had been away from academia for years.

Nearby, Nathan Evans stared at the pair, his knuckles whitening from tension.

She had been so cold toward him, refusing to meet despite his pleas. Yet here she was, radiant with smiles for another man.

The dining table was laden with exquisitely prepared dishes.

Ryan had heard of Evelyn's culinary skills, but the feast still left him speechless.

"All this...just for us?"

Evelyn placed the final dish on the table. "After all your help, it's the least I could do."

Ryan's ears tinged pink. "Honestly, I didn't do much. You're a remarkably quick learner."

During their study sessions, he'd witnessed her rapid progress firsthand.

She grasped concepts instantly, never needing explanations repeated.

"It wasn't just the tutoring. I'm most grateful for those rare academic papers you helped me access."

Ryan's eyes widened in realization. "So that's why you've been buried in research..."

Now he understood Professor Roland's high regard for her.

As night deepened, Ryan rose to leave.

Evelyn walked him downstairs, taking out the trash along the way.

"Thank you for dinner. Everything was incredible."

"My pleasure."

"So..." Ryan scratched his head. "Library tomorrow?"

"Sure."

At that moment, Adrian Klein returned from the lab, his brow still furrowed in concentration.

"Professor Klein!" Ryan immediately straightened. "You live here too?"

Adrian glanced up, noticing Evelyn and a young man by the entrance.

His gaze lingered briefly on Ryan's face, recognizing him vaguely.

"Life Sciences?"

"Yes! I took your Physics Fundamentals course last semester."

"Hmm."

Evelyn opened her mouth to greet him, but Adrian's attention never shifted her way.

Ryan stepped aside as Adrian walked past without another word.

"I can't believe Professor Klein lives here!" Ryan whispered excitedly. "His classes are impossible to get into—my roommate couldn't register this term..."

On the stairwell landing, Adrian glanced back at their retreating figures.

That student...Ryan Clementson, wasn't it?

First time he'd seen anyone visiting Evelyn's apartment. Boyfriend?

He shook his head with self-mockery. None of his business.

After seeing Ryan off, Evelyn turned down an alley to dispose of the garbage.

Suddenly, a dark figure seized her wrist.

Her body tensed for defense—until that familiar, caustic voice hissed:

"Quite the little overachiever now, aren't you, Evelyn Langley?"