Chapter 74

Zhou Wen clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug into his palms.

He wanted nothing more than to slap Sophia Lowell and Bianca Fairchild right then and there.

For this lab tour opportunity, he had camped outside Professor Klein's office for three straight days. All those humiliating pleas, those all-nighters writing guarantees—wasted.

"Stand still!" Zhou Wen whirled around, his voice a dangerous whisper. "Who gave you permission to fool around in the lab?"

On the hallway bench, Sophia's sniffles cut off abruptly. She wiped her tears hastily, shrinking behind her classmates when she spotted Isabella Valentine.

"Stop playing victim," Isabella yanked aside the shielding student. "Weren't you the one throwing yourself at Bianca in the lab?"

Sophia's face paled, lips trembling. "I—I just wanted to steady Bianca—"

"Shut it!" Isabella sneered. "We all see through your act."

Bianca suddenly stepped forward, her voice barely audible. "M-Mia, it was my fault—"

"Here we go again!" Isabella shoved Bianca hard. "Every single time! Sophia pushes you, you claim you slipped. She steals your thesis, you say your work was subpar. Bianca, where's your spine?"

Bianca staggered back, slamming against the wall. She opened her mouth but ultimately hung her head, letting loose strands hide her reddened eyes.

Isabella stormed off, her lab coat flaring sharply behind her.

"Mia!" Bianca reached out but grasped only air.

Zhou Wen's temple throbbed. His glare swept over the students before landing on Sophia. "Out. Now. All of you."

Sophia hurried away with her classmates' support, shooting Bianca one last venomous glance around the corner.

Bianca trailed behind, each step deliberate as if walking on knives.

Inside the lab, Evelyn Laurent observed coldly through the viewing window. As Bianca passed, her fingers tapped twice against the glass.

"What happened?" Professor Klein's voice carried from the stairwell.

Zhou Wen stiffened, rushing to intercept. "Professor, we... concluded early."

Professor Klein frowned at the dejected group, his gaze lingering on Bianca's swollen eyes. Ethan Sullivan stepped forward slightly, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses.

"Professor Zhou," Ethan's tone was mild. "The lab equipment... nothing's missing, I hope?"