Chapter 197

The first thing that caught everyone's attention was a pair of long legs encased in knee-high boots, leading up to a camel-colored coat over a white knit sweater. The woman carried an elephant-gray Hermès Picotin, exuding elegance and sophistication.

As soon as Elizabeth Lincoln spotted Paul, her eyes lit up. "Good morning, Dr. Jefferson!"

"Morning," Paul replied with a slight nod.

"Lizzy, let me introduce you to the newest member of our group, Miranda Sutton. She's two years younger than you," Bryan announced.

Elizabeth then noticed the new face in the lab, and her smile faltered. Before Miranda's arrival, Elizabeth had been the youngest, and everyone had doted on her. However, she possessed impressive credentials: a Master's degree from Combin University and a current PhD candidacy at Bedford College. Being accepted into Paul's research team further demonstrated her high research abilities and academic level.

Miranda greeted Elizabeth, but received only a brief, perfunctory handshake. Though subtle, Miranda sensed hostility.

Nearby, Sandy's eyes flicked between the two women, but she remained silent.

Paul then spoke. "Let me clarify: Miranda isn't officially joining our research group. She has her own research project and will be borrowing our lab space."

"What?"

Bryan's surprise was evident. Paul had never lent out the lab before. The others shared his confusion. Sandy and Silas exchanged glances; Elizabeth furrowed her brow.

Paul led Miranda to a separate lab bench. "This will be your workspace. If you need anything, ask me directly or write it on the blackboard. Logistics will restock supplies daily."

Miranda nodded, noticing a blackboard with a grid for notes and a clock-in section. One row was already labeled with her name.

Elizabeth's eyes flickered. "I'm curious, Miranda. What postdoctoral research station are you currently with?"

Bonus #25

Miranda answered honestly, "I'm starting my first year of graduate school in September."

"Just starting your Master's?" Elizabeth was genuinely surprised. A person with only an undergraduate degree, her own research project, and granted special lab access? Who was she?

The name Sutton… Elizabeth searched her mind for prominent Elgerson families and academics with that surname, finding none. How did she manage this?

Elizabeth started to speak, but a hand grasped her arm. Someone gently shook their head, signaling silence. The bench was unused, and it was Paul's prerogative to assign it. Furthermore, it was his lab; they had no right to comment.

Elizabeth, noticing Paul's tall, elegant figure in his lab coat, recognized his gentle facade as an illusion. His focus was almost entirely on research. Lending out the lab wouldn't concern him; her objections would likely be ignored. He had brought Miranda and assigned the bench, leaving no grounds for objection.

Miranda, unaware of this undercurrent, climbed onto the bench and immediately immersed herself in work. Based on early experimental data, she restructured the workflow and selected control variables. She was so focused that she didn't notice nearby footsteps.

The lab was quiet, with everyone absorbed in their tasks. Occasional brief conversations quickly subsided.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Paul broke the silence. "It's been a while since we had a group meal. I'll treat everyone."

Sandy and Bryan exchanged incredulous glances. Paul, the workaholic, suggesting a get-together?

Had pigs started to fly?

Their gazes discreetly shifted to Miranda. The addition of the new member was the only significant change. Miranda Sutton was certainly something else.

Sandy's husband had just returned from a business trip, freeing her up. "It's been a while since we had a break. And since Miranda joined our lab today, we can consider it a welcome party for her."

Silas, smiling, added, "Sandy's right. Besides, if Paul's treating us, how could I miss out?"

Bryan eagerly agreed. "Exactly! It's not every day Dr. Jefferson treats us."

Elizabeth closed her laptop, her voice cold. "I still have experimental data to finish. I need to work overtime, so I won't be joining."

Miranda looked up to see Elizabeth's beautiful, oval… (The passage cuts off here.)