Your Uncle’s My Husband Now Back Off Ex (Nyla and Clark) novel Chapter 177

**Chapter 177**

A flicker of surprise illuminated Nyla’s eyes as she read the message that had just popped up on her phone. Why, of all times, would Damon extend an invitation for dinner?

Her mind raced with possibilities, and just as she began to ponder her response, another notification chimed in.

Damon: [I’ll be waiting in the parking lot at 6:30 p.m.]

It was clear he wasn’t leaving any room for her to decline.

Nyla felt a pang of obligation tugging at her conscience. After all, Damon had played a pivotal role in persuading Richard to agree to her divorce from Clark, and she felt it was only right to express her gratitude with a meal.

With a resigned sigh, she typed back a simple “Okay,” before slipping her phone into her pocket. She turned her focus back to her experiment, determined to push aside the unexpected dinner invitation.

“Nyla, you won’t believe how well our recent experiments are progressing! I think we’re on the verge of starting trials with lab mice soon!” Melody exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she juggled various test tubes.

Nyla shook her head gently, the weight of reality settling in. “It’s not as straightforward as it sounds, Melody. We still have a mountain of experiments to navigate before we can even think about trials. The process of finding the right solution can stretch over years—sometimes even a decade—before a drug finally makes it to market.”

Melody’s expression morphed into one of shock, her hands pausing mid-air as she absorbed Nyla’s words. “It takes that long?”

“Absolutely,” Nyla confirmed, her voice steady yet filled with the gravity of the truth. “And even once we reach the trial phase, there are countless unpredictable variables that can throw us off course. Adjustments will be necessary at every turn.”

Patience was the key in their line of work, but Nyla understood how challenging that could be. The early stages of experimentation often felt like an endless cycle of failure, with no clear answers as to why things went awry. The daily grind could be both exhausting and monotonous, testing the resolve of even the most dedicated researchers.

“I see,” Melody sighed, her enthusiasm visibly dampened. She had hoped that their work might culminate in results within a mere six months, unaware of the lengthy journey that lay ahead. For someone as lively and spirited as Melody, the slow and demanding nature of scientific research was bound to be a tough pill to swallow.

Nyla sensed her friend’s disappointment and sought to offer some comfort. “But don’t let it get you down too much. You never know—maybe we’ll strike gold with our next experiment, and everything will fall into place. If we’re lucky, we could fast-track to trials sooner than we think.”

Melody managed a forced smile, her eyes still clouded with uncertainty. “I guess we can always hope for the best,” she replied, trying to sound cheerful.

Yet, the sweet scent of gardenias wafting from Nyla filled the enclosed space, distracting him from his reading. He found himself staring blankly at the same line of text for several minutes, the words blurring together as he struggled to concentrate.

“I’m planning to send your father abroad for treatment,” he said finally, his voice low and serious.

Nyla felt a rush of surprise, her heart racing as she instinctively shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. I can find a way to take care of my father’s treatment myself.”

Damon’s gaze sharpened, a hint of concern lacing his tone. “You wouldn’t want any unexpected surprises to derail your divorce from Clark, would you?”

Her eyes dropped, hands tightening in her lap as she considered his words. The Sumners could very well use Harrison as leverage against her, and sending him abroad for treatment might indeed shield her from that threat. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about him being manipulated as a pawn in their game.

But still, the thought of her father being so far away gnawed at her. Harrison was frail, and the idea of him enduring a long flight filled her with dread. What if something happened while he was overseas? The distance would make it impossible for her to reach him in time.

After a moment of heavy silence, she shook her head once more, her resolve firm. “Uncle Damon, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I cannot send my father abroad.”