Chapter 190: The Glass Door of the Laboratory Swung Open

The glass door of the laboratory swung open as a pair of slender legs stepped inside.

The hem of a camel-colored cashmere coat swayed gently with each stride. A white turtleneck sweater accentuated her graceful neck. In her left hand, she carried a structured designer bag, while her right arm cradled a stack of files.

"Good morning, Professor Mercer." Celia Monroe's eyes brightened as she hurried forward to greet him.

Elias Mercer gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping across the lab. "Is everyone here?"

Felix Moreau rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Professor Mercer, let me introduce our new member—Clara Whitmore. She's two years younger than Celia."

Only then did Celia notice the quiet girl standing in the corner. Her smile froze.

Before Clara's arrival, Celia had been the lab's favorite junior researcher. With a master's from Westbridge University and currently pursuing her PhD at Ashford University, her academic brilliance and sweet demeanor had earned her special treatment from senior lab members.

"Hello." Clara extended her hand.

Celia barely touched her fingertips before withdrawing, the tiny diamonds on her nails glinting under the lights.

Elise Warren subtly adjusted her glasses, sensing the tension between them.

"Correction." Elias's voice cut through the air. "Clara isn't joining our research team."

The group froze.

"She has her own research direction. She's just borrowing our lab facilities."

His words dropped like a stone into still water. Felix's eyes widened, while Theo Marsh and Elise exchanged glances.

Celia's nail left a faint scratch on the lab bench.

Elias led Clara to the innermost workstation. "This will be yours. Write your supply needs on the board—they'll be replenished daily."

Clara nodded, noticing her name already added to the board.

"If I may ask," Celia spoke suddenly, "which institute are you doing your postdoc at, Clara?"

"I'm starting my master's this September."

The lab fell so silent one could hear a pin drop.

Celia's pupils contracted. An undergraduate? Granted an independent project? And receiving special permission from Professor Mercer, who never shared his lab?

She mentally scanned Bellwether's prominent families with the surname Whitmore but came up empty.

Elise discreetly tugged her sleeve, signaling her to drop it.

Celia pressed her lips together. She knew better than anyone—Elias cared only for research. This lab was his private domain, and he granted access as he pleased.

Clara had already donned gloves and begun calibrating equipment, so absorbed she didn't notice anyone approaching.

At four in the afternoon, Elias abruptly closed his laptop. "I'm treating everyone to dinner tonight."

Elise nearly dropped her test tube. The workaholic professor initiating a social gathering?

Both women instinctively glanced at Clara.

"To welcome our new member," Elise quickly recovered. "Perfect timing—my husband's coming home today anyway."

Theo smiled. "We wouldn't miss a dinner hosted by Professor Mercer."

"I'll pass." Celia snapped her laptop shut. "Still have data to process."

Clara looked up to see Celia's flawless makeup failing to mask her stormy expression.