Chapter 84

Harrison Whitmore cautiously observed Ethan Sullivan's brooding expression.

"Mr. Sullivan," he ventured, "is there a new lead that prompted you to investigate Sophia Lowell's records?"

He remembered Ethan had previously shown complete indifference toward Sophia.

Ethan's long fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"Dig deeper into Evelyn Laurent's background. I want every detail from her childhood onward."

"Leave no stone unturned."

Harrison hesitated. "But sir, haven't we already reviewed Evelyn's files multiple times?"

When the Lowells had arranged for Evelyn's return, both families had thoroughly vetted her history.

Ethan's lips curled into a cold smile. "Did your reports mention she was a prodigy?"

Harrison fell silent.

He lowered his head awkwardly.

Their investigation showed Evelyn had consistently ranked at the bottom of her class, let alone any connection with Prof. Benjamin Klein.

Ethan's eyes turned glacial. "Investigate again. The more detailed, the better."

Harrison straightened. "Understood!"

Unearthing these old records would be challenging. After leaving, Harrison immediately dispatched teams to San Francisco and Jade Peak to interview those who might remember.

This would be a lengthy inquiry.

But Ethan's orders were absolute. No matter the difficulty, Harrison would execute them flawlessly.

Silence reclaimed the office.

Ethan leaned back in his leather chair, shadows gathering between his brows. He loosened his tie irritably, fingers resuming their restless drumming.

Years of searching had yielded nothing. Now that a lead had surfaced, hesitation crept in.

He feared another dead end.

He feared discovering only that same devastating truth once more.

The mounting frustration became unbearable. Ethan snatched his car keys and strode out.

——

At Harvard University's physics lab, Evelyn Laurent had just set down a test tube when Prof. Benjamin Klein shooed her out.

The professor regarded her with concern. "Evelyn, a girl your age shouldn't spend all day in a lab."

"The world outside is vibrant. No more daily lab marathons."

"Go have fun."

Evelyn blinked in confusion.

Hadn't he gone to great lengths to recruit her?

"Professor, I enjoy experiments," she insisted.

Benjamin's expression turned stern. "Not negotiable. Out you go!"

He valued Evelyn's brilliance, but refused to let a young woman waste her youth among old academics.

The lab door shut firmly behind her.

Evelyn stood in the hallway with a resigned sigh. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting her slender shadow across the floor.