Julian Evans shot to his feet. "You finished? Impossible!"

As an energy major graduate, he knew exactly how complex this problem was.

Isabella had said Dr. Nan needed time. No solution had arrived yet, and he never doubted it.

How could Evelyn Ross possibly have solved it so quickly?

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "I'll organize it and send it to you. Then you'll see. Julian Evans, remember your promise."

She turned and walked into the first team's office.

Daniel Clementson immediately approached her. "Junior, did he use Dr. Nan to pressure you again?"

Team members gathered around.

"Evelyn, ignore him!"

"You're already incredibly skilled for your age. Don't compare yourself to Dr. Nan."

"Yes, you're better than all of us!"

Jason Lawrence emerged from his office.

Dark circles under his eyes showed he had pulled another all-nighter.

He frowned at Evelyn. "Don't worry. I worked through the night and found a direction. I'll push harder today. At least I can provide a framework for the solution..."

He had also messaged his cousin about the R&D department's situation.

Regarding the VP targeting the first team, his cousin would handle it.

Evelyn felt warmed by their concern.

She smiled. "No need. I've already finished it."

Jason waved his hand. "Leave this to me... What did you say?"

His eyes widened. "You finished it?"

The team stared at her in shock. "Evelyn, did we hear that right? Or are we just tired and hearing things?"

Daniel gave a wry smile. "Junior, stop joking!"

Evelyn chuckled. "I'll send the email now. I'll cc everyone."

She carried her laptop into the office.

The first team stood frozen, exchanging bewildered glances.

Only when email alerts chimed on their computers did they return to their desks and open their inboxes.

Evelyn had indeed sent the email.

Everyone immediately downloaded the attachment. Upon opening it, they were all stunned.

The first team office fell completely silent.

Seeing everyone focused on studying the solution, Evelyn quietly left and went to the top floor.

Her work was done. She needed to find Alexander Vance to get that neurology book back.

She hadn't forgotten her promise to make medicine for Eleanor Vance.

In the top-floor office.

Alexander Vance was reviewing documents when Thomas Watson entered. "Sir, Miss Evelyn is here."

His hand stilled, the pen scratching a line across the paper.

A spot on his back seemed to remember a soft touch, growing warm.

He pressed his lips together, his voice low. "Send her in."

When Evelyn entered, Alexander was sitting quietly.

The man didn't look up, his tone gentle. "I know about the R&D department situation. It's fine if you can't provide a solution. Company policies will protect your rights."

Evelyn laughed softly. "I'm not here about R&D. I'm here because I missed you..."

Her throat suddenly felt itchy, and she paused.

Alexander's hand jerked, ruining another freshly printed document with his signature.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he slowly looked up. He saw Evelyn clear her throat and continue, "...missed you possibly giving me that book you borrowed from the library."

Alexander Vance: "..."

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but a faint, inexplicable disappointment lingered.

He casually picked up the book from his desk and handed it to Evelyn. As she took it, he said calmly, "Don't pause like that when you speak next time."

Evelyn happily accepted the book, not noticing the man's unusual behavior. "Oh, thanks."

She turned and left.

Only after the door closed did Alexander lower his gaze.

He let out a soft laugh.

The girl clearly hadn't given the kiss in the car a second thought, while he had been awkward about it for two days. Really... reading too much into it.

And he had almost forgotten. Evelyn had a boyfriend.

Alexander's expression cooled, returning to its usual composure.

...

With her R&D work complete, Evelyn fully relaxed, spending the entire day researching Alzheimer's.

As quitting time approached, the quiet first team office finally stirred.

The R&D General Manager and a scowling Julian Evans walked in.

Jason Lawrence had just finished verifying Evelyn's solution, finding it flawless. He said joyfully to the General Manager, "Our group really found a treasure this time. Evelyn's solution is absolutely on par with Dr. Nan's!"

The General Manager frowned. Julian sneered, "Yes, her solution is identical to Dr. Nan's!"

Jason didn't process it at first. "Hahaha, she's actually as amazing as Dr. Nan..."

He trailed off, suddenly freezing. "What do you mean?"

"I mean she stole Dr. Nan's solution!"

Julian finished, then scoffed at Evelyn. "I received Dr. Nan's solution this afternoon. It's almost exactly the same as yours! No wonder you were so calm. You'd already decided to steal it! Did you think sending the email earlier meant the solution was yours? Evelyn, you're so naive. Did you think changing a few details would fool us? How dare you steal from Dr. Nan?"

Jason frowned. "There must be some misunderstanding. Evelyn has been working with us all this time. The solution even includes our contributions..."

Though they only accounted for twenty percent of the entire solution.

Julian immediately retorted, "What misunderstanding could there be? Two identical solutions. Are you suggesting Dr. Nan stole from Evelyn? Do you think that's possible?"

One was a respected doctor, the other a recent college graduate. Who was more credible was obvious.

Jason was speechless.

Evelyn listened quietly to their exchange.

Dr. Nan couldn't have sent Julian an email. That left only one possibility...

Someone had disguised her solution as Dr. Nan's!

Was Julian trying to use this to suppress her and the first team?

How ridiculous.

Evelyn said calmly, "Is there no third possibility?"