Chapter 75

Zhou Wen stood at the laboratory entrance, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. After much hesitation, he bowed deeply to Prof. Benjamin Klein.

"Professor Klein, my sincerest apologies." His voice strained. "My students nearly knocked over the lab equipment."

Prof. Klein's brow furrowed slightly. His sharp gaze swept over the cowering students behind Zhou Wen. Every instrument in this lab represented years of his painstaking work.

"Fortunately no damage was done." Zhou Wen kept his forehead pressed against his clasped hands, not daring to look up. "I'll accept any disciplinary action."

An oppressive silence filled the laboratory. The students held their breath, shoulders hunched.

"Don't let it happen again." Prof. Klein's voice cut like ice. "Control your people."

Zhou Wen nodded vigorously, visibly relieved. As he turned to leave, Isabella Valentine cast one last longing glance toward the lab's interior—but received no acknowledgment from the professor.

Inside the lab, Evelyn Laurent was intently calibrating equipment. Without looking up, she remarked, "Professor, they almost toppled the centrifuge."

Prof. Klein's expression darkened instantly. "Were you hurt?"

"I'm fine." Evelyn finally glanced up, then froze when she spotted Ethan Sullivan. "Why are you still here?"

Ethan spread his hands helplessly. "I came to discuss the collaboration project."

Prof. Klein's eyes darted between them, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Did young Sullivan offend you?"

"No." Evelyn turned away abruptly, handling the equipment with unnecessary force.

The professor tactfully changed the subject. Clearing his throat, he said, "Evelyn, you'll resume classes in the Physics Department starting today."

Her hands stilled mid-motion. "Now?"

"Your schedule's been sent to your phone." He patted her shoulder. "We don't want other professors thinking I'm hoarding students."

Evelyn packed up her equipment and strode out without a backward glance. Passing Ethan, she deliberately stomped her feet.

In the Physics Department classroom, Sophia Lowell was slumped over her desk, sobbing. A group of girls clustered around her.

"Sophia, did the lab tour go badly?"

"Did Professor Klein yell at you?"

Sophia lifted her tear-streaked face just as Evelyn pushed through the door. Her fingers tightened around the tissue in her hand.