Chapter 70

Ethan Sullivan watched Evelyn Laurent's focused silhouette and sighed softly.

Her slender fingers danced across the keyboard, streams of data reflecting in her clear eyes.

He turned toward the lounge area, waiting for Professor Benjamin Klein's arrival.

Meanwhile...

Professor Zhou Wen from the Physics Department led eight elite students across campus.

Sunlight filtered through the plane tree leaves, casting dappled shadows on their figures.

"Today we're visiting the national laboratory headed by Professor Benjamin Klein," Zhou adjusted his glasses.

"It houses the country's top physicists and most advanced equipment."

The students held their breaths, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Isabella Valentine clutched her notebook tightly.

She had deliberately worn her most formal white blouse, every strand of hair perfectly in place.

This was the opportunity she'd dreamed of.

Sophia Lowell trailed at the end of the group.

She adjusted her collar nervously, trying to hide her unease.

Since the three troublemakers got expelled, she'd noticed the strange looks people gave her.

The laboratory doors slid open.

A wave of chilled air carried metallic and chemical scents.

Through glass walls, researchers in white coats bustled around precision instruments.

"Watch your step," Zhou whispered. "Don't touch anything."

Evelyn adjusted a laser interferometer with meticulous precision.

Her forehead glistened with sweat, stray hairs clinging to her skin.

A sudden knock interrupted her work.

Unfamiliar faces stood outside. Zhou smiled amiably. "Excuse me, may we tour the facility?"

Evelyn's gaze swept across the group, pausing briefly on Sophia.

"Did Professor Klein authorize this?" Her voice was flat.

Zhou's smile froze.

Isabella's eyes widened in recognition. This was the legendary prodigy everyone talked about.

Sophia instinctively stepped back, nails digging into her palms.

She never expected to encounter Evelyn here.

The laboratory air seemed to solidify.