Chapter 357: Sloane Bennett's Phone Rang Abruptly

Sloane Bennett's phone rang abruptly.

She glanced at the caller ID and frowned slightly before standing up. "An urgent matter at the lab. I have to go," she apologized to the group.

Clara Whitmore nodded, watching her hurried departure.

Daniel Whitmore cradled his phone like a child with a new toy, chattering excitedly about the artifact photos he'd taken at the museum.

"This gold-painted enamel cup and saucer set is a treasure from the Qianlong era..."

His voice echoed through the hallway.

Helen Whitmore smiled faintly, amused by her husband's rare enthusiasm.

Clara walked quietly behind her parents, occasionally murmuring in response.

The seventh-floor lighting was dim.

Just as the key turned in the lock, the door across from them swung open.

"Sloane, heading out so late?" Daniel greeted warmly.

Clara turned and unexpectedly met a pair of smiling eyes.

Elias Mercer stood there in a simple white shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing toned forearms.

It was their first encounter since that drunken night.

Remembering her father's teasing about her tipsy behavior, Clara's ears burned. She quickly averted her gaze.

"Lab data needs processing," Elias replied, his voice low and calm.

"You young folks work too hard," Daniel remarked. "Come by for chess sometime?"

"Absolutely."

* * *

Catherine Holloway dragged her exhausted body back to the old house.

She collapsed onto the couch like a limp rag, too tired to lift a finger.

Spending the day shopping with Donna Russo and her son had been a nightmare.

"Mom! I got in!"

Victoria Holloway bounded downstairs like a whirlwind, waving her acceptance letter.

"Bioinformatics—Professor Lenora Voss's research group!"

Catherine barely lifted her eyelids. "Congratulations."

"What's wrong? You look awful," Victoria finally noticed her mother's pallor.

"Your brother's mess, that's what!" Catherine sat up abruptly. "That woman and her son—"

She recounted the day's ordeal through gritted teeth.

Victoria's expression darkened. "You shouldn't indulge them!"

"What choice do I have?" Catherine massaged her temples. "I just want them to take the money and disappear."

Victoria scoffed, running her fingers over the acceptance letter.

That million-dollar emerald bracelet had been worth every penny.

Even if it was technically a "friendship discount" of five hundred dollars.

She'd done her research—Professor Voss had a well-known weakness for jade.

This move had been calculated perfectly.