Chapter 71

Lily stayed in the laboratory all afternoon, barely pausing to drink water. A highly enthusiastic worker, she blocked out all distractions once engrossed in her work.

She only realized it was dark when someone knocked, urging her to leave. The task proved more difficult than anticipated; she'd miscalculated the time required. Jenny had given her three days, and Lily planned according to her old laboratory's schedule. She hadn't considered her inability to stay as late as usual.

She had to leave on time. Company policy prohibited anyone from staying overnight except on-duty staff, primarily due to information confidentiality concerns. This laboratory was the only exception for her.

Lily removed her coat, headgear, and gloves before washing her hands repeatedly. It was past eight, the sky was dark, and Jenny was long gone. She'd only needed the results, not Lily's presence.

Outside the building, most lights were off. The nearby streetlights were dim, casting the road in shadow. Few cars passed, let alone taxis. Sighing, Lily opened her phone and attempted to book a ride-sharing car. Finding a driver nearby proved difficult. Checking the map, she located a small town two kilometers away with more readily available transportation.

With no other option, she began walking. The pavement was easy to navigate, but the darkness and solitude made the walk feel deserted.

She'd taken only a few steps when she heard a faint engine behind her. Turning, she saw a vaguely discernible dark-colored vehicle resembling a private car. She stepped aside to let it pass, but it unexpectedly pulled alongside her, stopping with a screech.

"Ouch!"

Lily instinctively jumped, losing her footing and falling. A sharp pain shot through her ankle.

"Damn!"

The car stopped, and someone exited. Nervous, angry, and scared, Lily looked up as the person approached and exclaimed, "Don't you know how to drive? Why did you jump to the side?"

She was stunned to see Alexander. Pouting, unsure whether to cry or laugh, she stammered, "Ww-why are you here?" It was his fault for not notifying her, causing her needless panic.

"Who else do you think it is?"

Alexander crouched, examining her foot under the car's headlights. "Are you injured?"

"I'm fine. Just a sprain," Lily replied, managing to stand with his help. She climbed into the car, feeling relieved.

Alexander closed the door and instructed Edward, the driver, "Let's go." As the car moved, he asked, "Which leg did you sprain?" Lily was speechless. Did he expect her to display her injury while others were present?

"It's okay. We can wait until we're back," she replied softly, subconsciously touching her ankle.