Chapter 83 Mutation
"It means just what it says. Sometimes you gotta stand up for yourself, or folks will think they can push you around," Arabella said, a cold smile slowly forming on her lips, her eyes glinting with a hidden meaning.
"Celestia, does this frustrate you?"
"Of course." Celestia answered without hesitation.
Why did she have to save up her allowance for months to buy a dress, while Sophia could get it effortlessly?
"Then do what I say." Arabella beckoned Celestia closer with a finger.
Celestia, though unsure, leaned in obediently.
Arabella whispered a few words in Celestia's ear.
Celestia's eyes lit up instantly.
"Are you sure this will work?" she asked hesitantly, looking at Arabella.
"Just go for it. If anything happens, I'll handle it," Arabella replied nonchalantly, waving her hand dismissively.
Unaware of the scheme being plotted against her, Sophia finished her morning routine and headed downstairs.
Since Flynn left the White Manor, he hadn't been back.
Sophia was relieved.
Her feelings towards the Browns were complicated.
She was thrilled to learn her biological parents were alive. She had high hopes before joining the Brown family.
But a month of living with them left her utterly disappointed.
Thankfully, she had severed ties with the Browns.
She hoped they wouldn't bother her again, or she wouldn't be polite about it!
Sophia enjoyed her breakfast heartily, feeling satisfied after eating.
She gently rubbed her stomach and had the driver take her to Stellar University.
After the hot water incident, Sophia had become quite the sensation at Stellar University.
Everyone knew Alaric's lab had a new, young, and beautiful medical researcher.
As Sophia walked into the research building, she saw someone standing by the lab door.
"Dr. Martinez?" Sophia was surprised to see him, her tone reflecting her astonishment.
Hearing her voice, Elijah quickly turned around, joy lighting up his face. "Morning, Sophia."
"Morning, Dr. Martinez. What brings you here? Looking for Alaric?"
"No, I'm here to see you." Elijah looked at Sophia with a serious expression, pleading, "Sophia, I know some unpleasant stuff has happened recently, but please don't turn down my request, okay?"
"We really need someone with your expertise in medicine at Stellar University. I'm here to sincerely invite you once again on behalf of the school." Elijah's earnest gaze bore into Sophia, his tone full of sincerity.
Sophia frowned, hesitating. "Dr. Martinez, it's not that I don't want to help, but I really have no teaching experience. I don't think I'm qualified for the position."
Sophia had studied medicine under Robert purely out of interest and never intended to pursue it as a career.
She enjoyed her freedom and disliked being tied down.
Teaching wasn't something she wanted to do.
"Sophia, won't you reconsider? If you join us, you'll be a special appointee at Stellar University, with full employee benefits..." Elijah tried to persuade her further.
"Dr. Martinez, you know I don't need the money," Sophia said with a wry smile.
Elijah paused, remembering Sophia's financial situation. She could sell a single bottle of her medicine for a fortune. The university's salary was insignificant to her.
Understanding this, Elijah sighed. "Sophia, I hope you'll seriously consider it. Sharing your medical knowledge with students would be a tremendous contribution to the field."
Sophia was contemplating how to politely decline when Alaric suddenly emerged from the lab.
Seeing Elijah and Sophia outside, Alaric looked surprised. "Dr. Martinez, what brings you here?"
Elijah's eyes lit up at the sight of Alaric. Grabbing his arm, he said earnestly, "Alaric, you're just in time. Help me convince Sophia. She's incredibly talented."
"Dr. Martinez, I respect Sophia's decision. Besides, she's been busy researching the toxin in Benjamin's body. I doubt she has time for teaching," Alaric replied.
Elijah's face fell at Alaric's words. He sighed deeply. "Alright, Benjamin's health is more important. If Sophia changes her mind, she knows where to find me."
Sophia quickly nodded with a smile.
After Elijah left, she looked at Alaric, who wore a helpless expression.
"Dr. Martinez is just passionate about passing on medical knowledge. Don't take it personally," Alaric said.
"I understand. Dr. Martinez is dedicated to the field, but right now, my priority is curing my husband. If you hadn't come out when you did, I might have caved," Sophia exhaled in relief, her eyes showing gratitude for the timely intervention.
Alaric chuckled softly. "Seems like I arrived just in time."
"Absolutely!"
"Alright, come on in," Alaric stepped aside, gesturing for Sophia to enter the lab.
Three hours later, Sophia approached Alaric with a grave expression. "Alaric, has someone tampered with my samples?"
"Why do you ask? Everything is locked in the cabinet, and only you have the key," Alaric said, puzzled.
Sophia handed him a folder, her face tense. "It's strange. I always place a hair in my documents as a marker. This morning, it was gone. I reanalyzed the samples, and the data is different from before."
Alaric's eyes widened as he flipped through the folder. "These numbers... the change is drastic. Are you sure there's no mistake?"
"No mistake. Either someone tampered with the samples, or there's a special factor causing a mutation."
Hearing the commotion, Steven hurried over. "Mutation? Sophia, are you sure? If it's true, we're in big trouble!"
Steven's voice rose in alarm. Alaric's eyes were fixed on the data, his expression darkening.
Sophia's face was equally serious. "The elements in the sample are mutating rapidly, completely different from before."
"So, someone meddled with it?" Alaric's voice was icy as he looked at Sophia, his brows furrowed.
Sophia nodded. "Last night, I checked my husband's condition. The data seemed normal, but there were slight fluctuations."
For someone critically ill, any fluctuation in their medical data was a serious concern.