?Chapter 152:


    Later that evening, as the group reviewed some preliminary materials, Sandra nudged Ste with a grin.


    “Sylvia, you’re seriously amazing. I heard it takes most people five years toplete a closed research project like yours. You did it in six months!” She sped her hands under her chin dramatically. “You’ve totally broken the institute record!”


    From across the room, Cecelia let out a sharp, amusedugh—dry and dripping with sarcasm.


    “Wow. What an inspiration,” she muttered under her breath. “Too bad it’s more about who you know than what you know.”


    Cecelia’s voice had been barely audible, but Ste caught it clearly.


    She paused for a moment.


    That tone, the subtle edge—it wasn’t her imagination. Cecelia really was hostile.


    Ste turned slightly, catching a glimpse of Cecelia, who had already buried herself back in her work, head down, eyes distant.


    Why the animosity?


    Ste couldn’t figure it out. She’d barely interacted with Cecelia. Was she overthinking things?


    Still unsure, she set her thoughts aside and refocused on the data in front of her.


    Once she finished reviewing the sheet, she handed it to Elbert.


    “Elbert, does this data need to be processed in the Instrumentation Lab? Why don’t we head over after lunch?”


    Elbert nodded. “Sounds good. Let’s meet at theb.”


    At lunch, Ste sat with Sandra as usual.


    “Here, I saved this chicken leg just for you,” Sandra said with a grin, cing it on Ste’s tray. “You look like you could use a little extra protein.”


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    Ste gave her a helpless look but epted it anyway.


    After eating, the two headed to the Instrumentation Lab together. By the time they arrived, the rest of the team was already there, setting up for the afternoon’s work.


    Ste had just reached for a set of materials when the door suddenly swung open.


    A young man, maybe twenty, strolled in like he owned the ce. He scanned the room, unimpressed, and scoffed.


    “Well, well. I was wondering who booked thisb—figures it’d be you guys. Hate to break it to you, but we’re using it today. Time for you to clear out.”


    Elbert straightened up, frowning. “We booked it first. You’ll have to wait your turn like everyone else.”


    Theb was shared space—always firste, first served. It was basic institute protocol.


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