Calvin shot Zane a sidelong nce, his hands casually sped behind his back as he strolled leisurely back to his desk. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and finally spoke. "This is the report Mr. Belcher gave me this morning. I reckon he wants my input before making the final decision."


    Zane looked up, observing Calvin''sposed demeanor. No wonder he had the audacity to suggest that Zane, his mentor, should assist his student. It was an offer he couldn''t refuse, especially without the funding their department desperately needed.


    Taking a deep breath, Zane approached the desk, ced the paper down, and leaned forward, his hands bracing the edge of the desk. His eyes, dark and intense, he spoke deliberately, "I can conduct the experiment for your student."


    Upon hearing this, Calvin leaned back in his chair, azy sprawl. "Then I hope Mr. Zane will take special care with my student''s experiment going forward."


    It would have been simpler to agree earlier than to have made it so awkward.


    Zane''s fingers tightened around the edge of the desk as he continued, "But I have one condition."


    Calvin had a hunch about what he might say and promptly responded, "Don''t worry, I''ll discuss the funding issue with Mr. Belcher seriously."


    "That''s one thing, but I also want to bring a student to observe," Zane stated firmly.


    Calvin frowned slightly, "Can you ensure your student will keep the experimental data confidential?"


    "Of course, after all, basic decency is still required," Zane replied with a hint of


    sarcasm.


    Calvin knew Zane was making a pointed remark, but he chose not to quibble over pettiness. After a brief pause, he agreed, "Fine."


    After all, his department was filled with students who were more show than substance. Having a group of them observe wouldn''t reveal anything substantial.


    With Calvin''s agreement, Zane said nothing more, straightened up, and turned to leave.


    Calvin watched Zane''s retreating figure, a smirk flickering across his lips before turning his attention back to the paper on his desk, his expression unreadable.


    Soon after, he tucked the paper back into the drawer.


    **


    Mirabe had just reached the school''s main gate when her phone buzzed in her pocket.


    She took it out to see a call from Delh and answered, "Hey, Mom."


    Hearing her daughter''s voice softened Delh''s previously stern expression instantly. "Mira, are youing home for the Thanksgiving break?"


    Mirabe walked towards the car parked by the curb, where As had been waiting, and replied, "No, the break isn''t long enough, and it''s a busy time since school just started."


    "Alright," Delh nodded, hesitated for a moment, then added, "By the way, darling, has anyone unfamiliar approached you recently?"


    "Mom, are you referring


    from the Cunningham family?", Mirabe had reached the


    nodded politely at As bene


    bending to get into the car


    Delh paused, "They''ve already approached you?"


    "Yes, a few days ago," Mirabe replied nonchntly.


    "What did they say?" Delh asked, irritation creeping into her voice. t was bad enough her own family. sought her out, but involving her daughter was uneptable.


    "They didn''t say much, just wanted me to meet someone. I didn''t go," Mirabe was forthright.


    Relieved, Delh advised, "If theye looking again, don''t bother with them. They''re up to no good."


    "Okay," Mirabe replied lightly, her fingers ying with a brown paper bag on her


    After a few more words of caution, Delh hung up the phone.


    Sitting in silence for a moment, Delh then picked up her phone again, scrolled through her call log, and dialed a number she had been avoiding.