Ben''s face took on a more serious look as he mulled over the phone call he''d just had. After standing there quietly for a few minutes, he left theb and headed over to the admin building to track down Wade.


    In the office, Wade handed Ben a cup of warm water. "I''ve given your proposal a lot of thought, but I''ve decided not to be part of it."


    Ben studied Wade, his handsome features clouded with thought. "Why not?"


    Wade offered a diplomatic smile. "I''m just not really interested in researching human mutations."


    "It''s just about joining in on some drug trials and observations. It''s not like you''re diving into mutation research," Ben replied.


    Ben really valued Wade''s unique take on biochemical substances. But Wade was as stubborn as theye. Despite months of effort, Ben hadn''t managed to sway him.


    Now, the medical research institute was in a phase where someone like Wade was exactly what they needed.


    "I''m sorry," Wade politely declined again.


    Ben twirled the ck ring on his left index finger, paused for a moment, and said, "Alright, then. If you ever change your mind and want to join our project, just give me a shout."


    Wade gave a slight nod.


    Seeing this, Ben stood up. "I''ll let you get back to it. I won''t keep you any longer."


    Wade had been curious about the project Zane and the others were working on, but he decided against asking. "Okay."


    Ben gestured for Wade not to bother seeing him out and quickly exited the office. As soon as he stepped out, the smile he had worn faded into a frown.


    He really is a tough nut to crack.


    Ben''s eyes narrowed, a cold glint in them as he walked towards the elevator. Just before he pressed the button, he heard a voice call out to him from behind.


    He turned slightly to see who it was.


    "Dr. Ben, when did you get here?" Mr. Belcher approached with a friendly smile. Ben nodded in acknowledgment. "I''ve been around for a bit."


    Mr. Belcher''s demeanor was warm and inviting. "Are you rushing off somewhere?"


    Ben looked at Mr. Belcher, considering his words before replying, "Not really."


    Mr. Belcher''s eyes lit up with interest. "I''ve got a few issues I''d love to pick your brain about. How about we chat in my office?"


    Ben''s fingers habitually fiddled with his ring, and he agreed.


    **


    Mirabe came home from school. Delh and Shawn had already headed back to Ashford a couple of days ago. As Mirabe walked in, she saw Nick heading toward the door, still bundled up in his thick coat, looking ready to head out.


    "Nick, are you going somewhere?" Mirabe asked, blinking as she switched into her indoor shoes.


    Nick nodded. "Got a few things to handle. I might not be back tonight, so take care of yourself."


    Mirabe replied with an "Oh," not pressing for more details.


    Nick grabbed his car keys from the drawer, then turned to Mirabe, giving her hair a gentle ruffle. "Oh, and if I don''te back in the next few days, don''t worry. We''re swamped at the research institute with a project, and we''re short on hands."


    Mirabe, remembering how Nick had been roped into the med school by his mentor after returning from abroad, paused before saying, "I heard your institute''s working on a new drug to bnce trace elements in the body?"


    Nick''s fingers paused briefly before he pulled back his hand, his expression calm. "Who told you that?"


    Mirabe looked at him, sidestepping the question. "Are you part of it?"