Chapter 73

Bianca Fairchild was completely absorbed in analyzing experimental data, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

Suddenly, she felt a chill run down her spine as someone pressed against her from behind.

"Ah!" she gasped, lurching forward—nearly colliding with the delicate lab equipment.

At the last second, a pair of slender but strong hands caught her from the side, steadying her.

"Careful," Isabella Valentine murmured in her ear.

Bianca trembled in Isabella's arms, her chest heaving. Only then did she notice Sophia Lowell standing behind her, blinking innocently.

"Sorry, senior. I just wanted to see the data..." Sophia said meekly.

Evelyn Laurent strode over, her gaze sharp as a blade. She seized Sophia's wrist with enough force to make her yelp.

"Was that on purpose?" Evelyn's voice was ice-cold.

Tears welled in Sophia's eyes. "Evelyn, you're hurting me! It was an accident..."

Professor Klein rushed over to inspect the equipment, sighing in relief when he confirmed everything was intact. He glared at them sternly. "This is a laboratory, not a playground! Bianca, you're usually the most careful. What happened?"

Bianca bit her lip, pale-faced. "Professor, I didn’t realize someone was behind me..."

Her hands trembled slightly. The precision instruments were worth a fortune. If she had damaged them...

"Stop pretending," Isabella sneered suddenly. "I saw you deliberately bump into Bianca."

Sophia's face twisted, tears streaming harder. "Isabella, how could you accuse me like this?"

She turned pleading eyes to Evelyn. "Evelyn, I was just curious..."

Evelyn released her wrist without expression and pointed to the door. "Get out."

"Evelyn—"

"Now." Her tone brooked no argument.

Sophia covered her face and fled the lab, shoulders shaking. But no one saw the venomous glint in her eyes as she turned away.

Professor Klein rubbed his hands awkwardly. "Evelyn, this is my fault..."

"Not yours," Evelyn said, her voice softening slightly. "But with all due respect, your student needs to review lab safety protocols."

She turned to methodically check each piece of equipment, her movements precise and efficient. Isabella handed her tools seamlessly, their coordination flawless.

With a sigh, Professor Klein ushered the other students out.

The lab fell silent except for the faint hum of machinery—and Evelyn's tense profile.