"Adler,e on, man, you''re breaking the pact! We all agreed to stay single!" a colleague teased, his voiceced with envy.


    Adler shot him a sideways nce and corrected him sternly, "Keep your dirty thoughts to yourself. Emmitt invited me out for dinner, that''s all."


    Everyone at the research institute knew about Adler''s mysterious and influential backer, Emmitt, who had even helped solve aplex problem a couple of years ago. Yet, no one had ever met this enigmatic figure.


    Dr. Ray from the institute had repeatedly tried to recruit Emmitt through Adler, but each time he was turned down. This only fueled the curiosity of everyone, making them wonder who this Emmitt really was.


    "Does your Emmitt mind an extra tag-along?" his colleague asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.


    "No way, not a chance," Adler shot back immediately.


    The colleague''s lips twitched in mild frustration.


    "I''m done talking about this. I''ve got to go," Adler said, ending the conversation abruptly.


    With that, he grabbed his car keys from the drawer and headed for the door. Just then, his colleague called after him, "Hey, about that reaction dposition we''ve been working on-think you could ask Emmitt for some advice?"


    Adler paused and looked back. "Sorry, but she''s probably too busy."


    "Alright then," his colleague replied, a bit disappointed but not pushing further. He waved as Adler left.


    **


    Fifty minutester, Adler pulled up to the address Mirabe had sent him, arriving at the entrance of a posh vimunity.


    Being a local of Riverdale, Adler knew this area well. It was home to the rich and powerful.


    Didn''t expect the big shot to be loaded too, Adler thought to himself.


    Mirabe was already waiting by the side of the road, dressed casually. You''d never guess she was a genius from herid-back look.


    Adler parked the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and walked over to her. He had freshened up a bit using the spare toiletries in his car, so he didn''t look too scruffy.


    "Sorry for the dy, I was busy all afternoon, and theb doesn''t allow electronic devices," Adler exined.


    Mirabe nodded, "No worries."


    "Right, you mentioned on Messenger that you needed my help with something?" Adler asked, eager to assist.


    "Yep," Mirabe replied, handing him a small blue box. "It''s a blood sample."


    Adler took the box, eyebrows raised. "A blood sample? What for?"


    "I need a detailed analysis of itsposition," Mirabe exined. "Our school''s equipment isn''t sophisticated enough for aprehensive test."


    Adler''s expression turned serious. Only a very special blood sample would require such a detailed analysis.


    For Mirabe to ask for help, this must be something extraordinary.


    "I''ll get it analyzed tonight," Adler promised.


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow, her eyes flicking to his dark circles. "No rush. Do it when you have time."


    "Got it," Adler said, but he was already nning to start the analysis as soon as possible. This was his chance to repay Mirabe.


    "Thanks," Mirabe said, ncing at her watch. "You seem busy. Should I let you go?"


    "Yeah, I''ve got a lot on my te, but I''ll get this done for you," Adler assured her. Mirabe gave him a grateful nod before they parted ways.