The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 411

Garrison kept his eyes fixed on his untouched cup of tea. The liquid had gone completely cold, its amber color deepening into a darker shade.

"I thought about keeping her hidden away, safe under my protection forever."

His voice dropped, almost as if he were talking to himself. "But... some birds just aren't meant to be caged."

He lifted his head, his gaze bypassing the bamboo blinds to rest on the sycamore tree swaying outside.

"I will ensure Sloane's safety. Besides, those people are after my Vitas Strain, not her. Once she has a new identity, I'll keep my distance. I'll step out of her life completely."

He didn't waver when he said the last sentence. His hands didn't shake.

But Vanessa noticed the way his knuckles turned white against his knees.

Lawrence stared at his prized pupil for a long time. The grandfather clock in the corner ticked methodically, accompanied by the occasional chirp of a bird outside.

Finally, he nodded, his voice steady and solemn.

"If you are this determined, I will make it happen. However... I have one condition."

"Name it."

"I want the Vitas Strain on the market as soon as possible. I've invested an incredible amount of time and energy into this project, Garrison. Quite frankly, I want to see results."

Garrison took a slow, steadying breath. After a long moment, he finally spoke.

"I understand, Professor."

Lawrence added, "Hand all the commercialization details over to Vanessa. She'll handle the rollout."

A smile touched Vanessa's lips, a blend of teasing and genuine sympathy.

She reached out, patting Garrison's shoulder. "Since Lawrence agreed, you can relax! Leave the heavy lifting to me."

"You flatter me, Professor. Without you spearheading the project, and without Vanessa's relentless support in the lab, I never would have achieved anything."

"I merely stood on the shoulders of giants to take the final step."

Vanessa pointed a finger at him, laughing as she turned to Lawrence. "Look at him. He wins a Nobel Prize, and he still acts like a humble grad student around us."

"I'll always be your student," Garrison replied softly.

All three of them smiled.

The fragrant scent of tea curled into the air, their laughter echoing through the quiet room before softly fading away.

A breeze swept past the window, rustling the golden ginkgo leaves. A few broke loose, spinning gracefully through the air before settling on the stone pavement.

Summer was finally drawing to a close.