Chapter 80

"I came back to grab some clean clothes. The lab still has work waiting."

Adrian Klein's voice sounded muffled behind his mask, which covered most of his face, revealing only tired eyes.

"Wait a moment."

Evelyn Langley hurried into the bedroom and returned with an insulated bag.

"This is ginger tea I made last night. Drink it while it's still warm."

At the mention of ginger, Adrian's brow furrowed slightly. Evelyn didn't notice as she continued, "There's also cold medicine inside. The dosage instructions are written on the box."

Adrian rarely got sick. Staring at the bag, he felt the unfamiliar urge to refuse.

"If it weren't for me yesterday, you wouldn't have caught a cold."

Her words made him retract his hesitating hand.

He checked his watch. Time was tight.

"Thanks. I'll drink it."

She gently closed the door after watching his hurried departure.

Her desk was piled with research materials, the computer screen still glowing. Evelyn dove back into revising her thesis, fingers flying across the keyboard.

The German literature Professor Eleanor Roland provided was filled with technical terms, forcing her to constantly consult dictionaries.

Just as she focused, her phone rang sharply.

The interruption irritated her, but she answered anyway.

"Hello?"

"I owe you an apology for yesterday. There are things I need to say in person."

Ethan Winston's voice came through the receiver.

Evelyn stayed silent for a beat. She had things to say too.

After hanging up, she steadied herself, pushing Nathan Evans' furious expression from her mind before resuming work.

......

The agreed café was near Harvard University.

Wind chimes tinkled as she entered.

Ethan sat by the window in his usual spot, turning as if sensing her presence.

Today he wore a deep blue shirt with the collar slightly open, sleeves rolled up to reveal toned forearms. Girls at nearby tables stole glances.

Evelyn sat directly across from him.

"What would you like to drink?" Ethan asked.

"Nothing." She cut to the chase. "I came to make things clear."

He smiled. "Funny, so did I. Every word I said yesterday was sincere."

"But I don't like you." Evelyn met his gaze. "There's no chance for us."

"Nothing in this world is absolute." His tone remained unhurried. "As long as the outcome is good, what does it matter if the path is winding?"

This was typical Ethan—once he set his mind to something, he wouldn't relent.

He had patience. He could wait.

Just like how Nathan had persistently pursued her until he succeeded.

If Nathan could do it, why couldn't he?