Chapter 228: Her Breath Catching in Her Throat

Paige Lawson shuddered, her breath catching in her throat.

She stumbled up the stairs without daring to look back.

* * *

The lab's atmosphere had subtly shifted.

Since the last team dinner, Clara Whitmore noticed her colleagues' gazes had softened.

The credit went to her daily homemade lunches.

Her perfectly seasoned dishes had won everyone over.

In return, Elise Warren and others often helped her troubleshoot experiments.

The most dramatic change was in Theo Marsh.

After Clara flawlessly reconstructed his mental calculation theory, the math enthusiast's eyes lit up with newfound respect.

Now he seized every opportunity to teach her advanced calculation techniques.

Clara absorbed the lessons with startling speed.

Methods taught in morning sessions were mastered by afternoon.

Theo vibrated with excitement like an artisan discovering uncut jade.

"Struck gold, have you?" Elise teased.

"Professor, take me as your protégé too!" Felix Moreau raised his hand dramatically.

Theo didn't glance up. "Finish your data analysis first."

Laughter rippled through the lab.

Clara pressed her lips together, eyes crinkling into crescents.

She missed Elias Mercer calling her name three times.

"Clara Whitmore!"

"Yes, Professor Mercer?"

"My office. Now."

* * *

At dawn the next day,

Theo stared blankly at a thick stack of documents.

Elise leaned in. "Trouble? Did the director reprimand you?"

"New research focus." He sighed. "No more time for Clara's lessons."

This project demanded his exclusive attention.

Though regrettable, lab priorities came first.

Elise patted his shoulder. "The capable bear the burden."

* * *

Saturday sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Clara had just set down her bag when her phone rang.

"Clara! Emergency!" Sloane Bennett's panicked voice crackled through. "My cousin's wedding—Mom's dragging me gift shopping, but my project's at the critical phase—"

"You want me to accompany your mother?"

"You read my mind! She adores you—always says she wishes you were her daughter."

Clara chuckled. "What time tomorrow?"

* * *

Elias massaged his temples.

After thirty-six consecutive work hours, dizziness blurred his vision.

His key had barely touched the lock when the opposite door swung open.