Chapter 33: The Professor–2
Claim
“I tried to recruit her for my doctoral program years ago,” Lewis muttered. “I heard she got married and quit science to work at her husband’s company. I didn’t expect to see her here.”
Harrison waved Aurora over. She stepped out of the sterile zone, pulling off her mask. Her eyes widened when she saw the visitor.
“Professor Lewis,” she said respectfully.
“Aurora,” Lewis said, his tone half–scolding. “You vanished. I thought you had forgotten us old men and science altogether.”
Aurora didn’t look down. She met his gaze with a self–deprecating but confident smile.
“I didn’t forget, Professor. I just took a… long, educational detour. Consider it a field trip on life’s pitfalls. But I’m back now. And I’m more focused than ever.”
Phineas raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face.
As the group moved on, the lab erupted in whispers. The researchers were stunned that their new colleague had connections to such a giant in the field.
Aurora ignored them. She returned to her station. She had wasted three years playing house with a man who treated her like a vase. Looking at Professor Lewis’s retreating back, she didn’t feel shame. She felt hunger. She would claw back every second she had lost.
That evening, Phineas hosted a private dinner for Professor Lewis at a members–only club. The lighting was dim, the atmosphere hushed.
“No wine for me, doctor’s orders,” Lewis said.
Phineas signaled the waiter. “Sparkling water for the Professor.”
They made small talk about industry trends until Lewis set his glass down. “When did Aurora start at Everett Bio–Tech?”
Phineas took a sip of his red wine. “Two weeks ago. I interviewed her myself.”
Lewis frowned. “Two weeks? I’d like to see her personnel file.”
Phineas feigned hesitation for a second, then reached for his tablet. He pulled up Aurora’s digital file and slid it across the white tablecloth.
Chapter 33: The Professor–2
Claim
Lewis put on his reading glasses. He scrolled down. His finger paused at the Marital Status line.
*Divorced.*
He said nothing and scrolled further to her work history. His eyes narrowed. For the last three years, at Aether Life Sciences, her listed position was not Senior Researcher.
It was *Administrative Secretary*.
The Professor’s face turned a violent shade of red. His hand shook as he read the description. Filing papers. Making coffee. Arranging schedules.
***
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Marry Ex's Billionaire Uncle After Divorce (Aurora and Jasper)