Chapter 69

Ethan Sullivan's gaze lingered on Evelyn Laurent's face before finally looking away.

"Get some rest."

He turned and left, his tall frame elongated by the corridor lights.

Evelyn stared at the closed door, brows slightly furrowed.

She hopped off the bed and locked the door with a sharp click.

The warm glow of the bedside lamp cast shadows across half her face.

Her phone screen lit up as messages from Victoria Langley flooded in one after another.

"Don't forget breakfast, sweetheart."

"Don't overwork yourself in the lab."

"Come home this weekend. I'll make you soup."

Her fingers skimmed the screen, then paused. The deleted forum posts flashed through her mind.

Her family had always protected her in silence.

Just as Ethan said—she could disregard the world, but not this warmth.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Evelyn opened her door and met Ethan's deep, unreadable eyes.

"Morning."

He handed her a glass of warm milk, his sleeves carrying the faint scent of the kitchen.

She turned away and headed straight for the elevator.

The aroma of fried eggs filled the dining room.

She took a few hurried bites before standing to leave.

"Wait."

Ethan caught her wrist, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Last night... I crossed a line."

Evelyn let out a cold laugh, nails digging into her palms.

Memories of forced sedatives surged back.

"Save the apology."

Ethan grabbed his car keys and followed.

"I need to see Professor Klein anyway."

As the black sedan entered campus, Evelyn gazed blankly out the window.

The lab stood empty.

An assistant explained the professors were sleeping in after an all-night battle with online trolls.

Evelyn pulled on her white coat and walked into the sterile room without looking back.