Chapter 2

Snapping back to reality, I glanced over at Chloe's workstation.

The instruments weren't powered on, and no code was running on her monitor.

Even if you gave her ten thousand years, she wouldn't produce a single data point.

I had been far too gullible before.

Before I could even answer, she stepped over to my desk and pulled open the drawer to grab the keys.

I caught her wrist. "Chloe, I haven't agreed yet, have I?"

"Derek..." Chloe bit her lower lip, turning to Derek with a pitiful look.

Derek and I had been engaged for six months. I used to believe we were madly in love, only to discover right before my death that his heart belonged to Chloe.

Sure enough, the second Chloe whined, he charged to her defense:

"Chloe is part of our research team. What's the big deal about her using the lab for a bit?"

Another male student chimed in, "Yeah, Summer. Just because the professor trusted you with the keys doesn't mean you can lock everyone else out. Aren't you abusing your authority a bit?"

Hearing that, I let out a dry laugh.

I pointed to the lab regulations posted on the wall. The operating hours were clearly listed: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

It was already 1:45 PM.

Who was the one trying to abuse authority here?

"No. The lab has strict operating hours. How about this, Chloe? Why don't you walk us through your current progress and experimental plan? We can see if anyone can help you out."

All eyes turned toward Chloe.

Panic flashed across her face. Her gaze darted around, her eyes turning red as she stammered, "I... I'd feel bad taking up everyone's time..."

She looked on the verge of tears.

Seeing her distress, Derek turned on me, his tone sharp:

"Summer, do you really have to be so aggressive? She just joined the group. It's completely normal for her to be behind. We all started somewhere!"

I shot back, "Exactly. We all started somewhere, which is why I'm asking for her progress so we can help."

Chloe's face flushed crimson. She tugged at Derek's sleeve from behind.

Derek only grew more belligerent. "Summer, you're letting a tiny bit of power go straight to your head. Don't act like the professor's word is law."

"Yeah, Summer," the other guy added. "Just because you're the student lead doesn't make you God."

I let out a cold chuckle, completely out of patience. I looked directly at Chloe.

"What data do you need to process? We can see if one of the 24-hour communal labs is available."

I knew full well she didn't have any data to run. All she wanted was to photograph the confidential documents, post them online for clout, and feed her raging vanity.

As expected, Chloe stammered, unable to string a coherent explanation together.

Noticing her evasiveness, the other lab mates began exchanging doubtful looks. Whispers broke out as people wondered why she was so desperate to stay behind alone.

Humiliated, Chloe clutched Derek's arm, her voice trembling.

"Derek, I'm just not as smart as Summer. It takes me twice as long to do the same experiments. I deserve to be looked down on. You went out of your way to secure my spot in this lab. Maybe I should just drop out so I don't cause you any more trouble."

Hearing her act, I nearly rolled my eyes into the back of my head.

Please, spare me the soap opera. Who didn't know what she was really pulling?

Yet Derek bought it hook, line, and sinker.

"Don't say that, Chloe. You're new. It's totally fine not to know everything." He glared at me. "Summer, stop being so overbearing. You used to be nice to Chloe. What's wrong with you?"

I arched a brow. In my past life, I had been far too kind to her, giving her every opportunity to stab me in the back.

This time, the snake wasn't biting the farmer twice.

"Chloe, if you want to work, fine. I'll stay with you. After two o'clock, I'll walk you to another lab where you can finish up."

I offered a solution she could never accept—because she had no real work to do.

Sure enough, Chloe burst into tears and bolted out of the room.

Derek shot me a venomous look before chasing after her.

The rest of the team stood around, trading awkward glances.

I shrugged, opened my hands, and gestured for everyone to pack up.

Then, I locked the lab doors with my own two hands.