Chapter 224

The laboratory was silent except for the rhythmic tapping of keyboards.

Joanna focused intently on the screen, her fingers flying across the keys. Evelyn reclined in her chair with closed eyes, long lashes casting delicate shadows beneath them.

"Strange..."

Joanna suddenly stopped typing and turned to Evelyn. "The usable footage from the cemetery surveillance has been deleted. Those men in black vanished without a trace."

Evelyn slowly opened her eyes, a cold glint flashing in their depths. "Stop investigating." She stood, her black trench coat swaying slightly with the movement. "If they dared strike in broad daylight, they’ve already covered their tracks."

"Should I arrange for bodyguards?" Joanna frowned. "We got lucky this time, but next—"

"No." Evelyn cut her off. "More people will only get in the way."

After seeing Joanna out, the lab fell into silence once more.

Outside the window, the night was ink-black. Evelyn stood by the glass, her reflection showing a profile as cool as moonlight. She flicked the switch, and artificial light instantly banished the darkness.

With practiced ease, she retrieved the first-aid kit and lifted the hem of her shirt. The wound had scabbed over, the dark red crust stark against her pale skin.

Just as she reached for the antiseptic, faint footsteps sounded behind her.

"Who's there?"

Evelyn whirled around—and met a pair of smiling, peach-blossom eyes.

The man wore a simple white shirt, its collar slightly open to reveal elegant collarbones. Bathed in the light, he seemed to glow with a soft radiance.

"Quite the fierce greeting, Ms. Roland." He held up his phone, the screen displaying a job posting. "I'm here about the assistant position."

He took a step forward, the corner of his mouth tilting in a lazy smirk. "Silas Eisner. Pleasure to meet you."

Only then did Evelyn recall posting the vacancy. She cleared her throat. "My apologies. It's been a hectic week."

As she handed him a glass of water, their fingers brushed—and an inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over her.

That voice... Had she heard it somewhere before?