Chapter 22
stella’s frek free mid air.
Life at the enchacay was described as isolated–contact with the outside in present security beniches.
But it wasn’t realistic to completely cut off all researchers from the internet Without hasic estertainment, nobody would last.
So researchers could browse news a
and even shop culine.
They just couldn’t post anything, and all aleliveries went to a central address for inspection before distribution
Because of this, Stella had seen Alarir’s public declarailon ofline plastered across the internet.
Her colleagues looked at her with curiosity
“Stella, that timing is wrand–his fiancée beth around the same time you came here. Except the’s supposedly studying abroad while you’re at this facility.”
“Seriously, if I didn’t know better, I think you were his fiancée.”
Everyone langheit.
Stella forced a small sme. There are plenty of people with the same name the world.”
The researchers at the facility weren’t particularly close to each other.
Except for Dr. Cruise who had handled her orientation and sean her file, none of her colleagues knew Stella was the famous Forbes heiress.
They couldn’t imagine her true identity,
After all, in their minds, what heiress would abandon her fortune and hairy style to become a researcher in such a demanding environment?
So everyone accepted Stella’s explanation without question and returned to their gossip
Later that evening, when she and Dr. Craise were alone checking data, the older woman finally spoke up.
“Stella, you never mentioned it, but I can tell–you came here because your flance hurt you didn’t you?
“He seems to have realized his mistake. Would you consider going back?”
Dr. Cruise hesitated, then added: “Our protocol says no me leaves until the project ends, but exceptions can be made in special circumstances.
Without hesitation, Stella replied: “I’m not leaving.”
She looked up at her mentor calmly. “Maybe he truly regrets his actions now, but that doesn’t matter.”
“I dan’t come here to spite him or hide from him. I came to pursue my dream.”
Yes. Stella had seen Alaric’s declarations, but she didn’t care
So what if this version of Alaric had finally realized he loved her?
So what if every word he saul now was sin
Delayed devotion was worthless. No matter how much Alaric regretted his actions, the harm he’d caused her in this life–and the memories of her previous one–couldn’t be erased.
She wouldn’t sacrifice anything for such a phan
She had come here to pursue her dreams, not for anyone else.
In this life, she lied only for herself.
– Burkina
Chapter 22
Dr. Cruise was uprised by Stella’s response but evennally nodded
“You’re right. I was being narrow minded. I’m sorry.”
So Stella’s quiet life at the facility continued.
She threw herself into her research, watching!
Time passed quickly Three years we by ahood imperceptibly.
the project progressed.
One day, as Stella was leaving the labs, a sentar ndininistrator stopped her.
Stella, there’s a recognition dinner tonight for a major donor. Would you join
Stella frowned.
I don’t think so. I’m just a researcher, External relations aren’t my responsibility.”
The administrator weaved her objection away. “Don’t be modest. The senior team knows you’re the Forbes heiress. You understand these social situations better than us academic types. Please come along.”
Reluctantly, Stella accompanied the leadership team to the dinner.
The moment she walked in, she saw Alaric in a perfectly tailored suit.
She froze in place.
Alaric immediately stood, his face lighting up with undisguised juy.
-Stea
