All Her Secrets

After wrapping things up in Casier, Catherine tagged along with Branden back to Loxton. Catherine couldn't stay away from Styre University too long. There was schoolwork waiting for her.

Unlike the others, Catherine went straight to the lab upon her return. She just needed to check back in at the lab.

At Styre University, only Catherine could do this. After all, not everyone could get pulled into the lab during their freshman year like Catherine.

As Catherine stepped into the lab, everyone looked at her.

Marshall's assistant and his proudest student, Zac Pearce, was the first to greet her. He asked, “Catherine, got everything sorted back home?” With a gentle smile, he was polite and warm.

Catherine replied politely, “All sorted. I'm here today to sort out my leave.” Zac nodded and then said, “Con. I'll take you to the professor's office. I'll help you out.” As the two left, conversations bubbled among those in the lab. Someone clueless about the situation asked, “Why does Zac, usually so indifferent, seem different toward Catherine?” Another one immediately replied, “Do you have any idea how precious Catherine is? Ever since she showed her skills last time, the computer science professor from the next department has been eyeing our lab, waiting to snatch her away. Professor Hartley even said it's on the whole lab if she gets taken!” Hearing that, the first one replied, “No one’s taking our people!” At that moment, one belief echoed throughout the lab. That was to protect Catherine and prevent the other professor from taking her. a Marshall had worked hard to bring Catherine into the lab. They couldn't let the computer science professor easily sway her. They believed that a precious gem like her needed protection.

As for Catherine, she wasn’t aware of the shift in attitudes among her lab mates. She just felt that after two days away, everyone in the lab seemed oddly eager when looking at her.

During lunchtime, Catherine was engrossed in her data and hadn't gone to get food.

Zac asked, “Catherine, I'm heading to the cafeteria. Wantto bring you something?” Glancing at her work, Catherine realized she might need more tif she went out. She was about to agree when a senior colleague chimed in, ” Zac, cafeteria? I've got something cooking here. I'll make extra for Catherine!” This senior colleague was a good cook. It was a skill honed from years of cooking for herself.

cooking for just herself. Only Marshall had the honor of tasting her cooking once or twice. Others never

spoke volumes about Catherine's

today. | made sbeef cutlets. Letget you a serving!” Catherine nodded gratefully and said, Thank you!” 11 Half

was about to express her thanks, another senior colleague

from the institute. Give it a try, Catherine!”

auctioned off. They were so exclusive

Catherine. It was a testament to these

just a few short hours, she lost count of

away. Before leaving, the colleague with ties

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Catherine left with a pile of goodies for her dorm. Catherine rushed back to the lab right after arriving

carrying all these things, Amelia quickly pitched in. ” Catherine, why do you bring back so much stuff from your trip?” In

explained, “These were given by a senior lab mate.” Amelia hadn't been