Chapter 14

The car arrived at Jubilife Research Institute 30 minutes later. Yvette's long and slender legs stepped out of the car. Someone had long been waiting for Yvette at the research institute's entrance. The older man lit up once he saw Yvette, who was like a savior to him. Then, he sprinted to her. "You're here, Yvie! Gosh, you finally made it. Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?" Yvette spoke blandly. "Take me inside and show me." "On it. Right this way, Yvie!" replied the man. Against his expectations, Samuel watched as Yvette didn't get chased away. Instead, the man welcomed her into the research institute with the utmost respect. It shocked him so much that he couldn't help dropping his jaw. He remarked, "Mr. Quinn, that's Barnabus Zabel, the research institute's highly esteemed senior faculty member. He's a pretty big deal." Anyone would have been shocked to see a renowned senior researcher behave so respectfully toward an average lady like Yvette. Wilson's eyes narrowed as he let out a low chuckle. It seemed he had underestimated Yvette. "Should I run a background check on her, Mr. Quinn?" Samuel was still concerned by the situation. "No need," Wilson rejected without a second thought. He knew Yvette well enough. She would ignore him forever if she found out he was investigating her in secret. Besides, Wilson had plenty of time to wait until Yvette confided in him. … Outside the laboratory, Yvette had already put on her coat and mask. Only her striking eyes were visible to others. She soon followed Barnabus into the laboratory. "Yvie, the chip has suffered great damage, and you're the only one who can repair it…" said Barnabus. Yvette's gaze settled on the broken chip atop the laboratory table. A frown marred her face. "Let me handle it. Everyone may leave." "Alright. Everyone, out! I don't want anyone disrupting Yvie's focus!" Barnabus knew it was an exceedingly difficult task to repair the chip, and one shouldn't be interrupted during the process. "Understood, sir!" All the research staff obediently left to stand guard outside the laboratory. They held their breaths while watching Yvette work through the glass panel. Seconds and minutes passed as their admiration for Yvette grew. … It was already two hours later when Yvette came out from the laboratory. She removed her laboratory coat and massaged the spot between her brows. "You must've had such a hard time, Yvie!" A considerate Barnabus approached to hand her a small carton of milk, and he had even put in the straw for her. Yvette accepted the milk, took a sip, and spoke with her usual lazy tone. "I've repaired the damaged parts of the chip. You may resume your research." "That's great!" The weight on Barnabus' shoulders finally eased. Then, he beamed at Yvette. "Our research institution can't operate without you, Yvie! How about this? Do you want to—" "No." Yvette knew what he was going to suggest but rejected him ruthlessly and quickly. She had no plans to take on apprentices since she was too busy. "Gosh. Don't be in such a hurry to refuse, Yvie…" Barnabus drew his brows close while pouting pitifully. Yvette arched a brow before lazily reminding him of something. "Mr. Zabel, your phone is ringing." "Oh, you're right!" Yvette slipped away while Barnabus answered the video call. She had long gone when the latter realized what had happened. "Oh, what a shame! She got away again!" Barnabus sighed before turning to speak with the man on the video call. "Kid, that's the incredible young lady I'm always telling you about." Ian Murray, who was on the other end of that call, thought about the side profile of the young lady he noticed through the camera. He didn't know why, but she seemed oddly familiar. At the same time, he was more so surprised. The lady seemed younger than him, yet his mentor, Barnabus, sang countless praises about her for being outstanding. "Ian, I heard you're returning to the country soon. Is that right?" Barnabus asked. Upon hearing that, Ian snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Yes, Sir. My family recovered my long-lost sister, so I must return home." "That's great news!" Barnabus nodded with a smile. "What good timing. You should hurry back to Jubilife City, so I can introduce you to the young lady!" "Alright, Sir." … "Over here." A familiar voice rang out once Yvette exited the research institute. Yvette looked ahead and saw Wilson standing beneath a street lamp. A smile was plastered across his devilishly charming face, making him irresistible. A rare expression of shock crossed Yvette's face. She had been in the laboratory for two hours, yet Wilson still waited for her. Wilson glanced at the milk carton in Yvette's hands and silently committed it to memory. Then, he smirked at her. "It's time you made good on your promise and buy me a meal." Yvette happened to be hungry, too. So, she agreed without hesitation. "Sure." Meanwhile, Samuel frowned, knowing Wilson had already eaten dinner. He could tell the latter was asking to eat now out of concern for Yvette. The three took a smooth journey to The Courtyard Banquet. The restaurant was an upscale private restaurant that only served specialty foods. It was also nearly impossible to get a reservation there. Knowing Yvette disliked being the center of attention, Wilson instructed the restaurant to give them a more private room. He asked about Yvette's preferences before ordering an entire table's worth of dishes, all of which were her favorite foods. Following that, he accompanied her in eating. That said, he didn't eat much. He mostly watched Yvette eat or helped pick up some food and put it onto her plate. Collin was passing by and noticed this scene through the private room window. Curiosity got the best of him, and he cocked a brow while entering the room. "Who's this little lady, Wilson?" His eyes darted between Yvette and Wilson several times. A tinge of amusement filled his gaze. It was his first time seeing such a tender look from Wilson, who had always been indifferent and unmerciful. Not to mention, Wilson kept a woman company as she dined! Even Collin himself had never experienced such a privilege. Wilson's eyes narrowed to slits as he shot a vicious glare at Collin. It was evident through his eyes that he wanted the latter to get lost. "Oh, so you think I'm an eyesore now, huh? How could you ditch your friend for a girl, Wilson?" Collin mused while shaking his head dejectedly. He mentally scoffed and decided not to do as Wilson told him. He was determined to stick around. A half smile dangerously crept up Wilson's face as he took in Collin, who had settled on staying. He thought, "So, that's how you want to play, huh? I'll ship you abroad and sell you off as a worker right away!" Collin felt the hairs on his neck stand straighter. It was an eerie and foreboding sensation. That was when Wilson's phone rang. The caller ID indicated the call was from Martha. Helplessness flickered in Wilson's frosty gaze at once. He didn't need to answer the phone to know what his grandmother was calling about. In the next instance, he cast a gentle look at Yvette while speaking warmly. "I'm going to take a call and will be back soon. Enjoy your food."