Chapter 191: The Air in the Private Dining Room Froze Instantly

The air in the private dining room froze instantly.

Celia Monroe's rejection doused everyone's enthusiasm like a bucket of ice water.

Felix Moreau's temples glistened with sweat as he forced a smile. "Celia, I ran simulations on your dataset all night. We'll need at least twelve more hours." His eyes darted toward the man at the head of the table. "Besides, Professor Mercer rarely has time to—"

The words flipped an invisible switch.

Celia's knuckles whitened around her napkin. She lifted her gaze across the table where the man's slender fingers idly rotated a crystal glass, his wristbone gleaming under the chandelier.

"...Fine." She finally relented.

Felix slumped in relief, though disappointment flickered in his eyes.

It was always like this.

Only mentioning Professor Mercer could make this ice princess bend.

* * *

The hidden restaurant nestled deep in an alleyway.

Elise Warren clicked her tongue while perusing the menu. "Their signature Sichuan fish is to die for. They airfreight the chilies directly from the region."

"Order whatever you want, Clara." Felix slid the gilded menu toward Clara Whitmore. "Professor Mercer's treating us—a rare opportunity."

Elise snorted. "Finally telling the truth, Ollie?"

"Elise!" Felix clutched his chest dramatically. "You're ruining my image in front of our junior!"

Laughter rippled through the group.

Clara sipped her lemon water, the tartness blooming on her tongue.

Only Celia remained glued to her phone, diamond-studded nails tapping impatiently against the screen.

"I ordered the yam soup for you," Felix whispered, leaning closer. "And that dish you mentioned last time—"

"Enough." Celia snapped her phone shut, then paused at the menu. "...Whatever."

Felix beamed.

"Ollie's been chasing her for three years," Elise murmured to Clara. "The whole lab sees it except Celia."

Clara gave a quiet acknowledgment.

"Speaking of which," Elise suddenly turned to her, "someone as lovely as you must have an impressive boyfriend."

A glass thudded against marble.

Elias Mercer stood to take a call, leaving behind a faint trace of pine cologne.

"Currently single," Clara answered calmly.

Elise tactfully changed the subject.

Servers began bringing dishes. Crimson chili oil shimmered in porcelain bowls, steam rising to obscure everyone's expressions.