The busy tone faded.
Lucian set his phone back on the table, his fingers unconsciously tapping the metal surface twice.
Edgar.
The true helmsman of the Vought empire.
But why now?
Less than twenty-four hours after the scandal broke, Edgar had already extended an olive branch. The timing was off. There was only one reasonable explanation: Edgar had set his sights on him before the scandal and was merely using the public relations crisis to move up his recruitment.
Lucian leaned back in his chair, his gaze settling on the exposed pipes overhead.
If he went, he would be stepping into Vought's heartland. Their home turf, their rules.
But he would have to face it sooner or later.
Rather than passively wait for Edgar's next move, he might as well step onto the board himself and see how many pieces had been placed.
Lucian lowered his gaze and turned to Sister Sage.
"Until the equipment arrives, keep working on the blood analysis here, and look for a few reliable assistants. Notify me immediately if you make a breakthrough."
Sister Sage did not even look up.
"Understood."
Lucian stood and pushed his chair back into place. He turned toward the stairway leading to the surface. Behind him, Sister Sage resumed typing.
The next morning. A dorm room at Godolkin University.
Lucian woke before the alarm went off.
Cate was pressed against his side, her head nestled against his shoulder, her arms and legs wrapped around him.
Lucian lifted her arm little by little.
Cate murmured, her brows drawing together. Her arm tightened, and she pressed herself closer to him.
There was no helping it. Lucian used a little force to extract himself from this human shackle.
Cate opened her eyes groggily.
"What time is it...?"
"Seven thirty. Go back to sleep."