*


    Don''t think Mirabe was overthinking; As, the one driving, was even more on edge.


    Mr. Nick''s health had barely held up during those couple of days abroad at the conference. Now, having flown back without a break, it wasn''t just surgery he couldn''t handle; even standing for too long could be risky.


    Nick adjusted his coat, not a hint of worry on his face. "It''s nothing, just a minor surgery. No biggie."


    Mirabe shot him a sideways nce. His casual attitude about his own health was concerning.


    "But Mr. Nick, you..." As couldn''t help but jump in, easing off the gas, almost wishing he could pull over and stop Nick from going.


    Nick kept his eyes on the road ahead, cutting As off. "Right now, I''m just a junior researcher. Even if it''s an experimental surgery, I''m only assisting."


    No matter where you work, seniority is always clear. Even if you''re from a famous international institute, in a new ce, you follow the new rules.


    As, checking the rearview mirror, started to say something but ended up just sighing softly, picking up speed again.


    He knew Mr. Nick too well; once he set his mind on something, no one could stop him.


    Seeing this, Mirabe didn''t bother arguing further. She just reminded him toe home early, then looked down at her phone as if everything was perfectly normal.


    Seeing her reaction, Nick felt a bit relieved, leaning back to catch some rest. Half an hourter, As pulled up in front of the research institute. His car couldn''t go inside, so after parking, he hopped out and opened the door for Nick.


    Once Nick got out, As shut the door, blocking the view from inside the car. He looked at Nick, "Mr. Nick, don''t push yourself too hard. Your health is the most important thing."


    Nick nodded slightly, "I know."


    "Stay safe. I''ll drop Miss Mira off and thene back to wait for you. Call me if anything happens," As reminded him.


    Nick gave a small nod.


    Soon, he walked into the research institute.


    As watched until Nick was out of sight before getting back in the car, starting the engine, and checking the rearview mirror. "Miss Mira, I take you home first."  Swnovel


    This time, Mirabe put away her


    het


    "Nond looked straight aheade


    need. Just find a ce to nearby."  swnovel


    As hesitated, then asked, "Waiting for Mr. Nick?"


    "Yeah, can''t just watch him work himself to death," Mirabe said lightly.


    As scratched his nose, instinctivelying to Nick''s defense, "Mr. Nick probably knows his limits..."


    "Yep, he''s definitely got a good sense of bnce," Mirabe nodded with a smile.


    She could have found an excuse to avoid it, but she chose to stay.


    As: ""


    Suddenly, he found Mirabe''s smile a bit unsettling.


    Meanwhile, Nick entered the


    institute and headed straight to the main building next to the research tower, taking the elevator up to the fifth floor.  Swnovel


    As he passed the chief''s office, he noticed the newly reced ss windows.


    Nick''s gaze shifted back to neutral, and soon he rang the doorbell of the chief''s office.


    A few secondster, the door unlocked, and he stepped inside.


    Inside the office were not just the chief but also two other department colleagues.


    "Mirabe, you''ve arrived," the chief said, setting down a report and looking at Nick.