Chapter 253
Cheers erupted in the open air. Some students whined, “What a pity that we don’t major in pharmaceutical analysis!”
“Professor Colton, why don’t you join the branch of clinical medicine?”
“No way! Professor Colton is an expert in pharmaceutical analysis.”
Helen elbowed her way out of the crowd and asked loudly, “C
“Can I be
your
student?”
Aria recognized Helen and responded softly, “Of course.”
The crowd buzzed with excitement, shouting, “Let’s get down to work.”
“Let’s go!” They felt energized.
Few people among the crowd knew architecture, so Aria and Caleb built some shelters for their team together.
With a happy smile, Aria and Caleb worked well together.
Three hours later, night fell. Helen handed Aria a towel, and Aria wiped her sweat off with it.
Aria felt restless as if something important was missing. Then, a tall figure caught her eye.
Against the light, the figure walked straight towards Aria. She had forgotten Owen.
Aria pursed her lips and averted her gaze from Owen guiltily.
Caleb walked over, crouched next to Aria, and gently took the tools from her hands. “Aria,” he said softly. “Go take a break. I’ll wrap things up here.”
Without hesitation, Aria let go of the tools and said, “Oh, okay.”
Her guilty look confused Caleb. “What’s wrong?” Caleb wondered.
“Aria,” a familiar voice sounded above.
Caleb raised his head and saw Owen, his pupils constricting in surprise. “Why are you here?”
“Is he the reason for Aria’s guilty look?” he wondered.
Owen crouched down casually. “I got here earlier than you two. I was here for charity when the outbreak started.”
After the explanation to Caleb, he turned to Aria and said, “They wanted to take Betty away, but I said no. Betty’s already asleep. Aaron is there with her.”
On his way to see Aria, Owen had heard of the medical team formed by the students from Mandino University.
He thought that Aria must be in that team. Aria had formed her plan when the quality of her machines was questioned.
The arrival of the medical students saved her a lot of time and trouble. “Thank you,” Aria said sincerely.
Owen gently pulled Aria up by the wrist. “Your hands are for research, so leave the heavy work to me.”
Sometimes, they joked with each other. Aria casually replied, “Okay, I will leave it to you. Caleb, see you later.”
Caleb nodded. “Okay, just let us know if you need anything.”
He couldn’t help with the studies of the new virus, but he was competent in logistics.
Chapter 253
After Aria left, Caleb turned to Owen and asked, “Is this how you get along with Aria?”
Just now, Caleb felt that he was the third wheel on site. There was a tacit understanding between Aria and Owen.
Aria might not perceive that, but Owen must be clear of that. Caleb couldn’t help but felt jealous.
“Yeah,” Owen responded curtly.
Caleb was candid. “Do you like Aria?”
Owen didn’t expect such a direct question. After a pause, he looked at Caleb and then slowly nodded. “I do.”
Caleb was dumbfounded by Owen’s confession.
“She’s great,” Owen said.
It was true, so Caleb responded, “I know.” Aria was admired by many people, but not her family.
On the way to Jamelan, Caleb received a call from his parents. Hearing his plan, they told him to take good care of Aría.
“Aria’s amazing. She doesn’t need my protection. All I can do is to keep her company,” Caleb replied.
His answer silenced his parents.
Their relationship with Aria wouldn’t be so bad if they had given her more trust and love upon her return.
There was no turning back the clock, so they would live with regret for the rest of their lives.
“Caleb, it is me, Silvia.” The phone was in Silvia’s hand now. Silvia added, “Be careful, both you and Aria.”
“We will.” Caleb was busy with his work, so he seldom went home or took the initiative to call his family, including Silvia.
Silvia must have noticed the change in Caleb. She received fewer and fewer messages from him.
Over time, they had no words for each other. Caleb felt no regret or guilt because he owed Silvia nothing.
Caleb collected his thoughts. Working, he looked at Owen and said, “Aria knows nothing about romance.”
“I know.” Owen’s voice was steady and unwavering. “I am resilient. Give me some help if possible, my dear brother–in–law.”
Caleb laughed with anger. “I’m Aria’s brother, not yours.” Caleb wouldn’t help Owen or be in his way.
Owen smiled. “You’ll.”
Caleb felt speechless. He couldn’t help but think that he was too nice to Owen.
) …..
“Hey, Ms. Gibson, have you heard that? Aria and her brother built their research team with over 20 medical students.”
Hannah kept her hands busy. “Whatever. We should focus on our jobs.”
Vincent nodded. “Ms. Gibson, you’re right. I won’t disappoint you.”
After a brief chat, Vincent left. The others worked on.
Hannah appeared composed, but her hands trembled uncontrollably.
This was her shot to prove herself. Her life would be hopeless if she lost to Aria again.
Chapter 253
She was determined to beat Aria this time. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
Not far away, a man glanced at Hannah, walked over, and looked at the notes on the table. With a smile, he said, “Dr. Gibson, are you studying the virus?”
Restless, Hannah said, “Yes. The vaccine is the best solution.”
“You are right. Let us know if you need help.” The man sighed as if something came to mind. “It is weird. After the new virus, a corpse was found hers
Hannah was shocked. “A corpse?”
The man looked surprised. “Didn’t you hear that? A dead man was found in the river, by Aria.”
“By Aria?”
“Yeah. It is said that the corpse is already swollen. The police can’t identify him yet, though it is confirmed that none of the locals go missing.”
After more information was provided to Hannah, the man said, “Dr. Gibson, I have to go now.”
Hannah nodded absently. “Okay.” The man gave Hannah a meaningful glance before he turned around.
