Just as Andrea was about to step fully into the exhibition hall, a steady, unhurried voice drifted out.
Liana called out, "Chloe. Come in."
The entire lobby went dead silent for a split second before every single gaze locked onto one person.
Lydia was the first to react, her voice pitching up in pure excitement.
"Chloe! Dr. Sharpe actually knows your name? Do you two know each other?!"
Andrea froze mid-step, the color rapidly draining from her face.
She didn't even wait for Chloe to respond, shoving her way inside first.
"Dr. Sharpe. It's an honor."
Standing in front of the 3D Holographic Display, Liana was studying a rotating molecular structural model.
Hearing the voice, she casually lifted her eyes, offering Andrea a single, disinterested glance before looking away.
"Get out."
Andrea stiffened, her nails biting into her palms, but she forced a desperate smile and took two steps forward.
"Dr. Sharpe, don't you remember me?"
Liana remained silent.
Thinking there was a glimmer of hope, Andrea quickly added, "I'm Andrea Vance, Caroline Monet's former assistant. Caroline brought me to see you before. You even praised my work..."
Chloe walked in right behind her, catching every single, pathetic word.
She didn't stop, nor did she speed up. She simply walked inside with absolute composure, a sense of deep, ironic amusement blossoming in her chest.
Back then, Andrea had just arrived in The Republic of Veritas alone. Coming from a dirt-poor background, she had been as timid and terrified as a startled rabbit.
She had been everyone's punching bag at the institute, constantly hiding in the bathroom and crying until she could barely breathe.
Chloe had walked past, seen that tear-streaked face, and felt sorry for her, so she took her under her wing.
Truthfully, Andrea had been an awful assistant. She lacked the necessary skills and let her emotions dictate everything.
But after that, no one had ever dared to bully her again.
At the time, Chloe thought that was enough.
Andrea's voice rattled on, growing smoother as if she were reciting a speech she had rehearsed a thousand times.
"Caroline adored me. She constantly praised my talent and told everyone how much inspiration and insight I gave her... Dr. Sharpe, please, for Caroline's sake, give me a chance. Let me study under you. Please?"
Liana finally reacted.
Andrea's heart leaped in pure joy, and she stared back with hungry, burning eyes.
Then she realized Liana wasn't looking at her at all, but at the person standing directly behind her.
Andrea followed her gaze and whipped around. The moment she saw Chloe, her meticulously crafted expression nearly shattered.
"Why are you in here?" she hissed, waving her off like a servant. "I'm speaking with Dr. Sharpe. You're not needed here. Get out."
She turned back to Liana, plastering on a saccharine smile. "Dr. Sharpe, this is just Chloe. She's merely an assistant."


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