James hung up the phone, looked at his granddaughter, and said gently, "Come on, Yvette. Let's go see my physics lab."

Yvette nodded slightly. "I'm going back to Seacrity soon, so you don't have to open a milkshake shop for me."

James waved his hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter. If you're in Betrico, close it. Take it easy. Just accept whatever I give you."

He then remembered something. "I bought you a villa at Skyland yesterday. It's small, only one hundred million dollars. I'll give you the keys this afternoon. Everything's designed and furnished; you can just move in. You're marrying Jeremiah, and we can't let him take advantage of you, understand?"

Yvette mused, Does a few kisses count as taking advantage?

James continued earnestly, "Luckily, Jeremiah doesn't play the field like his grandfather. Otherwise, I'd never let you marry him." The recent rift between James and Jase stemmed from Mary, the president of the National Performing Arts Association, as Michael had mentioned.

Yvette watched James, softly saying, "Thank you."

James, not hearing clearly, turned. "What did you say, Yvette?"

Yvette paused, relaxed and calm, shaking her head. "Nothing."

The national physics lab boasted the world's most advanced iris recognition and a five-tier security system. An alarm triggered an army response within three minutes; an unlucky intruder might face the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and subsequent imprisonment.

James and Yvette donned waterproof, electricity-proof, and radiation-proof white lab coats. Made from nearly knife-proof material, each coat cost tens of thousands of dollars. Even without special projects, the lab coats alone cost millions, highlighting the lab's exorbitant expenses.

They had already passed four security checkpoints before reaching the lab's outer area. As the door opened, the researchers paused their experiments. This elevator was exclusively for James.

He led the way, Yvette following. Everyone was surprised to see a girl with him, as he rarely brought anyone, except his grandson. Speculation arose about a new lab member, a thought that increased the low-level staffers' anxiety about potential layoffs.

The lab's researchers were divided into ordinary and core members. Core members were physics prodigies, chosen from millions. Ordinary researchers, while talented, were always under pressure, constantly striving to maintain their positions. This pressure, while sometimes resented, was considered necessary to prevent complacency. As top talents in the nation's physics field, they understood the constant evaluation and James's strict standards.

All researchers respectfully greeted James.

"Hello, Mr. Owens." "Morning, Mr. Owens." "Hi, Mr. Owens."

Yvette walked beside James, hands in her pockets, at an easy pace. As they approached, everyone gasped at her beauty. She looks more like a movie star than a researcher, they thought, and isn't she a bit bold being here with Mr. Owens?

James, kind and nodding, explained to Yvette, "Yvette, this is the outer area. These are the top students from each region, doing basic experiments. When you have time, give them a lecture."

While James saw no issue, some proud students bristled. He's kidding. She's younger than us. What qualifies her to teach us?

Yvette glanced at the unconvinced researchers, her expression indifferent as she raised an eyebrow. Not convinced? I excel at handling rebellion. You'll learn what I'm capable of.

"After an hour, you can ask me any questions," she said, her cool tone chilling the already tense atmosphere.

James, realizing their disbelief, now understood their resentment, as he had inadvertently revealed Yvette's identity as Siren, a fact unknown to the others. He wanted to clarify, knowing they greatly respected Siren, but Yvette's subtle glance dissuaded him. She wants to stay low-key, he thought. Let them learn there's always someone better. It's beneficial.

He decided to let Yvette handle it. A little challenge won't hurt them.

The top students, unaware of James's decision, fumed. So arrogant! Do you think you're an encyclopedia or Einstein?

A bespectacled boy, a veteran of the outer lab, spoke up. "Even if Mr. Owens asked you to teach, you must be talented. But aren't you overconfident? Can you handle all questions?"

Another capable girl removed her goggles. "Spencer's right. We find it hard to believe. Even our core researchers wouldn't make such bold claims."

A chorus of agreement followed. "We don't believe her. Mr. Owens, are you recruiting her? Is she a core talent? Assessments ended; how can she join?"

Only one boy remained silent, shocked by Yvette's presence.