, Chapter 0197 , 25 BONUS , The first that caught everyone’s attention was a pair of long legs encased in knee–high boots, leading up to a camel–colored coat over a white knit sweater. , The woman was carrying an elephant–gray Hermès Picotin, exuding elegance and sophistication from head to toe. , As soon as Elizabeth Lincoln spotted Paul, her eyes lit up. “Good morning, Dr. Jefferson!” , “Moming.” Paul replied with a slight nod. , “Lizzy, let me introduce you to the newest member of our group, Miranda Sutton. She’s two years younger than you,” Bryan quickly shared the news. , It was only then that Elizabeth noticed the new face in the lab, and her smile faltered slightly. Before Miranda’s arrival, Elizabeth had been the youngest in the research group. Everyone had doted on her. , Even so, she certainly had the “credentials to deserve it. A Master’s graduate from Combin University and a current PhD candidate at Bedford College, her academic background was impressive. , Moreover, being accepted into Paul’s research team meant her research abilities and academic level were undoubtedly high. , Miranda greeted her as expected, but Elizabeth barely acknowledged it. She merely gave her a brief, perfunctory handshake before withdrawing her hand. , She hid it well, but Miranda could sense a subtle hostility from her. , Nearby, Sandy’s eyes flicked between the two women, but she said nothing. , Paul then spoke up. “Let me clarify something for everyone. Strictly speaking, Miranda isn’t officially joining our research group.” , “What?” , “She has her own research project but will be borrowing our lab space.” , Borrowing the lab space? , Bryan couldn’t help but show surprise. Paul had never lent out the lab before, so why now? , The same question crossed the minds of the others as well. Sandy and Silas exchanged glances, while , Elizabeth furrowed her brow tightly. , Paul led Miranda to a separate lab bench. “This will be workspace from now on. If you need anything. you can ask me directly or write it on the blackboard. The logistics staff would come by daily to restock supplies.” , Miranda nodded slightly, noticing blackboard embedded in the upper left corner with a for notes and a section for clocking in. One of the rows had already been labeled with her name. , Elizabeth’s eyes flickered. “I’m curious, Miranda. What postdoctoral research station are you currently with?” , #25 BONUS , Chapter 0197 , Miranda answered honestly, “I’m starting my first year of graduate school in September.” , “Just starting your Master’s?” Elizabeth was genuinely surprised. , That meant this person only had an undergraduate degree, yet she had her own research project? And Paul had made an exception to let her use the lab? , Who exactly she? , The name Sutton… , Elizabeth quickly ran through the prominent families and academic elites in Elgerson with the surname Sutton in her mind. , , , , Neither in prestigious families nor in academic circles did the name Sutton ring a bell… , So, how did she manage this? , Elizabeth wanted to say something, but a hand suddenly grasped her arm. The person gently shook her head, signaling her to keep quiet. , After all, that lab bench wasn’t being , and it was Paul’s prerogative to assign it to whomever he chose. Moreover, the lab was Paul’s personal space; they had no right to comment. , Elizabeth wasn’t oblivious to subtle cues. She glanced forward, noticing Paul in his lab coat, still exuding an impression of tall elegance. Light fell on his profile, highlighting the fine hairs on his skin, creating a still, gentle effect. , However, Elizabeth knew that his gentle facade was just an illusionPaul’s heart was nearly entirely occupied by research, leaving little room for anything else. , Naturally, the minor matter of lending out the lab wouldn’t concern him. So, even if Elizabeth voiced her thoughts, Paul likely wouldn’t heed them. , Besides, it was Paul who had brought Miranda in and lent out the bench, leaving no grounds for anyone else to object. , nda was unaware , Miranda , unaware of all this subtle undercurrent. She climbed onto the lab bench and immediately , immersed herself in work , Based on some early experimental data, she restructured the experiment’s workflow and selected control variables. She was so focused that she didn’t even notice the footsteps nearby. , The lab was quiet, with everyone absorbed in their . Occasionally, brief conversations would break the silence, only to quickly die down again. , It wasn’t until the afternoon that Paul broke the silence , “It’s been while since we had a group meal. Today, I’ll treat everyone to a meal.” , and Bryan exchanged glances, each the unbelievable look reflected in the other’s eyes! , Paul, the workaholic who always aimed for maximum efficiency, was now suggesting a get–together? , Chapter 0197 , 25 BONUS , Had pigs started to fly? , Their gazes discreetly shifted to Miranda. If there was anything different about today, it was definitely the addition of the new member. , Hmm, this Miranda Sutton was something else, wasn’t she? , Sandy’s husband had just returned from a business trip. With someone now available to look after the kids, she had no objections. “It’s been a while since we had a break. And since Miranda joined our lab today, we can consider it a welcome party for her.” , Silas, still smiling as usual, added, “Sandy’s right. Besides, if Paul’s treating us, how could I miss out, right? , Bryan nodded eagerly. “Exactly! It’s not every day that Dr. Jefferson treats us. It’d a shame not to go.” Elizabeth closed her laptop with a blank expression, her voice noticeably cold. “I still have a set of experimental data to finish. I need to work overtime, so I won’t be joining.” , Miranda looked up to see Elizabeth’s beautiful, oval face shrouded in a layer of gloom. , , , , , Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.