Chapter 71

Evelyn remained in the laboratory all afternoon, barely pausing to take a sip of water. Once immersed in her work, she became a whirlwind of focus, shutting out every distraction around her.

It wasn’t until a sharp knock echoed through the lab, signaling closing time, that she realized night had fallen. The task had proven far more complex than anticipated, throwing off her carefully calculated schedule.

Victoria had given her three days, and Evelyn had planned accordingly—based on her old lab habits. She hadn’t accounted for the strict regulations here. No overtime. No exceptions.

Security protocols demanded she leave on time. Only duty staff were permitted to stay overnight, a precaution against information leaks. This lab was her sole workspace, and even that came with restrictions.

Sighing, Evelyn peeled off her coat, gloves, and headgear, scrubbing her hands thoroughly before stepping out. The clock had already ticked past eight. Victoria had long since left—her role was to assign the task, not wait around for updates.

Standing outside the building, Evelyn surveyed the darkened windows, the dim glow of distant streetlights barely illuminating the empty road. Few cars passed by, and none were taxis.

She pulled out her phone, tapping through a ride-hailing app. No available drivers. The nearest town was two kilometers away—her only option.

Resigned, she started walking. The pavement was smooth, but the eerie silence and looming shadows made the journey unsettling.

A low hum of an engine broke the quiet. Evelyn turned, spotting a sleek black car approaching. She moved aside, expecting it to pass.

Instead, it slowed beside her, tires screeching to a halt.

"Damn it!"

She jumped back, her ankle twisting as she stumbled. Pain shot up her leg as she hit the ground.

The car door swung open.

Evelyn’s pulse spiked—anger, fear, irritation all warring inside her. She glared up at the figure stepping out. "Do you have a death wish or just no idea how to drive?"

"Why did you leap out of the way like that?"

Her breath caught.

Alexander Kensington stood before her, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

Evelyn’s lips pressed into a thin line. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or scream. "W-What are you doing here?"

His fault for startling her.

"Who else would it be?"

He crouched, examining her ankle under the car’s headlights. "Are you hurt?"

"Just a sprain." She winced as he helped her up, guiding her into the car. The plush interior was a welcome relief.

Alexander slid in beside her, shutting the door. "Harrison, drive."

As the car pulled away, he turned to her. "Which ankle?"

Evelyn blinked. Was he seriously asking her to lift her foot in front of the driver?

"It’s fine," she muttered, fingers brushing the tender spot. "We can deal with it later."