Chapter 430

The air in the laboratory froze instantly.

Sebastian Valdemar's expression darkened, his gaze sharp as a blade sweeping across everyone present. The female researchers who had been praising Scarlett Galatea moments ago turned pale, their test tubes nearly slipping from trembling fingers.

"T-the CEO's wife?" one girl stammered, her eyes darting between Scarlett and Sebastian.

"Theodore!" Sebastian's voice was glacial.

"Sir!" Theodore Ashcroft stepped forward immediately.

"Issue a company-wide notice." Sebastian enunciated each word. "Anyone spreading rumors will be terminated on the spot."

Scarlett kept her head lowered, fingers twisting together. She took a deep breath before lifting her face with a practiced smile. "Mr. Valdemar, this is entirely my fault for causing misunderstandings."

Sebastian gave a slight nod. "No need for self-reproach, Miss Galatea. I'll tighten lab management. You needn't come here daily anymore."

The words struck like a slap. Scarlett maintained her smile while her nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

Evelyn Roland observed everything from the sidelines, quietly admiring the acting skills of this Galatea heiress.

"Miss Roland, let me show you the lab." Sebastian's tone noticeably softened when addressing Evelyn.

Theodore followed them with a frown. He distinctly remembered Sebastian claiming to have won Evelyn over—why did they still interact so formally?

Researchers bustled about the lab as Sebastian personally explained various experiments to Evelyn, occasionally soliciting her opinions. Scarlett stood in a corner watching them, her chest heaving.

"This data is flawed." Evelyn suddenly stopped before an instrument, pointing at the graph on its screen.

Sebastian leaned in to examine it, their proximity allowing them to sense each other's breath. Scarlett bit her lower lip until she tasted blood.

After the tour, Evelyn seemed pensive. Scarlett glared at her flawless profile, resentment churning inside. What right did some jewelry designer have to critique biological research?

"Notice anything, Miss Roland?" Sebastian inquired.

"Further observation is needed." Evelyn shook her head slightly, though her gaze remained razor-sharp.

Scarlett sneered inwardly. What an act! She wouldn't let this woman ruin her plans.