Chapter 33

Sunlight filtered through the sycamore leaves, casting dappled shadows on Harvard University's cobblestone paths. The ivy-covered walls exuded an air of scholarly gravitas befitting the nation's most prestigious institution.

Evelyn Laurent stepped through the shifting patterns of light, her curious gaze taking in the centuries-old campus. Students clutching textbooks hurried past ornamental rock gardens, the crisp autumn air carrying traces of ink and parchment.

"That's Professor Klein!"

"Oh my god, Ethan Sullivan is here too!"

Whispers rippled through the courtyard.

Professor Benjamin Klein led the way, occasionally turning to explain historical landmarks. Ethan maintained a respectful half-step distance, though his attention never wavered from Evelyn's silhouette.

"The headmaster's office," Professor Klein announced, rapping his knuckles against an antique oak door.

Dr. Gregory Evans didn't look up from his paperwork. "Enter."

His fountain pen clattered onto the desk when he recognized the visitors. The typically stern administrator practically tripped over himself rushing forward. "Professor! You came in person?"

His eyes lingered a beat too long on Evelyn.

"Allow me to introduce," Professor Klein beamed, crow's feet crinkling, "my youngest protégé, Evelyn Laurent."

Dr. Evans inhaled sharply. As the professor's former student, he understood the weight behind that single word—"protégé." It meant this delicate-looking girl had earned the endorsement of physics' greatest living mind.

Outside the window, a tall figure melted into the shadows, his phone screen still glowing with an unsent message.