Chapter 2: A Technological Breakthrough

"Dr. Campbell, we're here to pick you up." A team of soldiers in camouflage uniforms descended from the helicopter. The man leading them approached Elena, saluted, and spoke respectfully. "Why so many people?" Elena asked, glancing around. The soldiers surrounding the entrance alone formed an entire squad. "Dr. Campbell is a valued researcher at the institute. We can't afford any mishaps." The man speaking was Captain Melville Duncan, who stood tall and straight. The captain's insignia on his shoulder gleamed in the sunlight. Although Duncan explained it this way, Elena couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Next time, there's no need for so many people." "Orders from above, Dr. Campbell's importance cannot be compromised!" Captain Duncan showed no intention of listening to Elena's suggestion. His tone carried a hint of excitement, revealing that he not only knew who Elena was but also admired her greatly. Seeing this, Elena decided not to say anything further. She glanced around once more. "Where's Ward Beck?" "Lord Beck is on a mission. I'll be protecting you during this time." "Hmm." Elena nodded, not saying anything more, and got into the car. Inside the Campbell mansion, the butler heard the commotion and came out to check, just in time to see Elena getting into a car surrounded by soldiers in uniform. The butler was shocked and immediately ran back inside. "Madam Mary, something terrible has happened! Miss Elena has been taken away by the police!" Mary was still entertaining Dan when she heard the butler's words. Her heart skipped a beat. "What's going on?" "I don’t know, ma'am. I just saw Miss Elena being taken away by a group of soldiers." Mary, suddenly panicked, rushed to the door, intending to follow. But by the time she got outside, Elena was already gone. Mary's heart raced uncontrollably as fear gripped her. She couldn't fathom why a group of soldiers would take Elena away. Had Elena gotten herself into some kind of trouble? "Could my sister have caused some sort of trouble?" Anna asked, pretending to be worried. "So many soldiers—what could it be?" Dan frowned, unaware of Anna's ulterior motives, and spoke out of instinct. Silence fell among them as Dan's words hung in the air. What could have happened to warrant so many soldiers coming to apprehend someone? Murder? Who had she killed? Mary felt as though she might faint from the stress. ... The laboratory was eerily silent, with everyone gathered around Elena, closely watching the equipment in front of them. They watched as the instruments slowly and meticulously aligned, finally coming together successfully. A wave of applause erupted throughout the lab. "Elena, you're amazing! We've been working on this experiment for an entire year, and you completed it so effortlessly!" "Dr. Campbell truly lives up to her legendary reputation!" "Yes, this technological breakthrough is a milestone for us!" The researchers around her were so excited that they were practically jumping for joy. Elena smiled at their reactions but didn’t say much. "Dr. Campbell, there will definitely be interviews after this technological breakthrough. We've already received calls; they're just waiting for you." "Elena, I know you’ve avoided the spotlight, but this time you can't refuse." Elena paused as she walked toward the door. "Understood." With her response, the researchers around her relaxed. As the youngest and most brilliant doctor in their team, Elena had always avoided public interviews. That she agreed this time was a huge relief. After leaving the lab, Elena had just changed out of her lab coat when she heard her phone vibrating. She picked it up and saw the name "Grandpa Hill" on the screen. Without hesitation, Elena answered the call. "Elena, did you call off the engagement?" The cheerful voice on the other end greeted her as soon as she answered. Rubbing her forehead, Elena walked to the window, where she had a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty standing tall in the distance. It felt as though she was looking the statue straight in the eye. "Elena, according to the agreement you made with the old man, now that you’re free of the engagement, it’s time to consider that boy Roy." Grandpa Hill's voice continued. Elena sighed. "Grandpa Hill, even if I agreed, Mr. Roy might not." "He wouldn’t dare refuse!" "You know how things work over here. That boy is waiting outside the research institute for you right now!" Before Elena could respond, the old man hung up. Staring at the phone in disbelief, Elena sighed again, pocketed it, and headed out of the research institute. Sure enough, she saw Roy Hill waiting not far away as she stepped outside. The man was wearing a flamboyant shirt, with a wide collar and two buttons deliberately undone, giving him a bold and flashy appearance. Next to him was a limited-edition Maybach, equally as ostentatious. Elena walked over to him. The man was tall, forcing Elena to tilt her head up to look at him. "Hello, Elena," she said, extending her hand. Roy lowered his gaze, studying her for a moment before shaking her hand. After their brief handshake, Elena got into Roy’s car. "Grandpa Hill certainly knows how to pick them. Roy, you’re pretty lucky." As soon as Elena sat down, the man beside her spoke up. Elena froze, almost thinking she’d mistaken him for someone else, but then she caught a glimpse of another man in the rearview mirror. Had she gotten into the wrong car? Elena didn’t feel embarrassed and was about to get out and move to the backseat. "It has nothing to do with me." But before she could, a cold voice came from behind. Elena listened and, without hesitation, moved to the backseat. She finally got a clear look at the man's face. His golden hair didn’t stand out much in the car, but his prominent cheekbones and well-defined features were impossible to ignore. No wonder he was Grandpa Hill's grandson—his looks alone were unforgettable. But Elena didn’t stare for too long, quickly averting her gaze. No matter how handsome he was, she had seen plenty of good-looking men over the years; it wasn’t enough to fluster her. Besides, judging by his demeanor, he probably wasn’t thrilled about the situation either. It was better to have a straightforward conversation about it later. "Hello, Miss Campbell. Let me introduce myself. I’m Longfellow Clive, a friend of Roy's." From the driver’s seat, the man Elena had mistaken earlier introduced himself. "Hello," Elena replied politely.