CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE – A DOUBLE LIFE

As they worked together over the next few days, Laura found herself growing closer to Mia. It was a welcome respite from the constant tension of her secret mission. One evening, as they were updating Mr. Dawson's chart, Mia turned to Laura with a serious expression. "Can I ask you something personal?" Laura nodded, wary but curious. "What's going on with you and Dr. Carter?" Mia asked. "You've been spending a lot of time in his lab lately." Laura felt her pulse quicken. "Oh, that. I've just been helping out with some research, trying to expand my knowledge." Mia raised an eyebrow. "It's more than that, though, isn't it? You seem... different lately. On edge." For a moment, Laura considered confiding in Mia. The weight of her secret felt unbearable. But Logan's warning echoed in her mind. "I'm fine, really," Laura said, forcing a smile. "Just been pushing myself a bit too hard, I guess." Mia didn't look entirely convinced, but she dropped the subject. "If you ever need to talk,