Chapter 308 Unexpected Confession
As Marcus began discussing the project details, Camilla focused intently, even slowing her chewing to listen carefully.
Sebastian was about to place a buffalo wing in her bowl when, at the exact same moment, Marcus offered her a piece of fish. Both men froze mid-motion, then looked up simultaneously.
Their eyes locked, and the atmosphere tensed.
"Professor Russell is certainly attentive," Marcus remarked coolly.
"Not as observant as Mr. Davis," Sebastian countered.
Camilla glanced at the food hovering before her. "Thank you both. I'll take them."
Only then did the men withdraw their gazes.
"Fish is high in protein. You should eat more," Marcus advised.
"The buffalo wings aren't spicy. I think you'll like them," Sebastian added.
"Thank you both," Camilla replied diplomatically. "But please, eat your own food. Don't worry about serving me."
The atmosphere, while less tense than before, remained far from relaxed.
Just then, the door swung open and Tobias entered, bringing a gust of cold air with him.
"Sorry I'm late—traffic was terrible," he apologized.
"Tobias? I thought you weren't coming this week," Camilla said, gesturing for him to join them.
Five days earlier, they had arranged this meeting in their group chat, but Tobias had mentioned traveling out of state to source materials and had asked Marcus to update Camilla on the project's progress in his absence.
Tobias sat down across from them, hanging his coat on the chair. "The trip went smoothly. I placed orders for all domestically available materials and flew back last night. I visited the site today—everything's on track. Since we usually meet weekly, I thought face-to-face communication would be better."
Camilla quickly asked the server for clean tableware and ordered two additional dishes.
Tobias was genuinely hungry. He began eating immediately, and only after taking the edge off his appetite did he look up. His gaze swept over Camilla before settling on Sebastian. "And you are...? I don't believe we've met."
"This is Sebastian Russell," Camilla explained. "He's a physics professor at Harmony College—my course instructor and research co-author. We ran into each other today and I invited him to join us."
She then introduced Tobias to Sebastian.
The two men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
Tobias, who had attended college but not a prestigious one and had been an average high school student, greatly admired academics. After discreetly searching "Sebastian Russell" on his phone, he regarded Sebastian with even more enthusiasm, nodding at his every word like an ardent fan.
Marcus rolled his eyes internally.
Camilla, however, understood Tobias's admiration.
The four continued their meal with relatively pleasant conversation.
"Tobias, would you like to order anything else?" Camilla asked.
"No, I'm fine," Tobias quickly declined, slightly embarrassed at having eaten more than anyone else.
"Has Mr. Davis briefed you on our progress?" he asked Camilla.
She nodded. "Yes, he has."
"At our current pace, barring any setbacks, we should be able to complete the initial phase by early next month, mid-month at the latest..."
As Camilla listened attentively, a familiar voice interrupted, "What a coincidence to see you all again."
It was Leopold and Azalea.
Indeed, it was quite a coincidence—same place, second encounter.
Marcus smiled sardonically, folding his arms. "Mr. Wipere, you must really enjoy slumming it. Passing up fine dining to repeatedly bring your girlfriend to this little roadside establishment? Isn't it a bit... economical? Does your date mind?"
Before Leopold could respond, Azalea interjected with a smile: "I actually chose this place. It's close to campus—just a short walk, no need to drive or make reservations. Simple and convenient, plus the food is quite good."
"I see," Marcus replied noncommittally.
Azalea maintained her smile, glancing around the table. "Sebastian's here too? Since we're all acquainted, why don't we join you?"
She turned to Leopold. "Would that be alright?"
"I don't mind if you're comfortable with it," Leopold replied.
Tobias suddenly spoke up. "Actually, we were just finishing."
Azalea looked confused.
"Were you hoping to take our table? Perfect timing. Here, please," Tobias said, standing and grabbing his coat.
Sebastian, Leopold, and Camilla also rose, making room for the couple.
"There you go," Tobias gestured to the table.
Azalea and Leopold stood frozen, unsure how to respond.
"I'll settle the bill," Marcus announced.
"I'll join you," Tobias added.
"Let's all go together," Camilla suggested.
The four headed to the register and promptly exited the restaurant, leaving Leopold and Azalea awkwardly standing by the table.
Azalea lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't think I helped the situation."
Leopold sat down expressionlessly and pushed the menu toward her. "Order whatever you'd like."
Azalea cautiously selected three dishes. "What would you like to eat?"
Leopold shook his head. "Nothing for me."
While waiting for their food, Leopold chain-smoked three cigarettes.
Through the haze, his gaze darkened momentarily, a flash of hostility crossing his features.
Monday morning after early classes, Camilla, Hestia, and Royce headed straight to Excel Business University next door.
Arriving at the lab, they changed into their lab coats and began their work.
At noon, the three went to the cafeteria together.
It was packed, with long lines at every counter.
Camilla and Royce frowned at the sight.
Only Hestia seemed excited, eager to join the crowd. After all, longer lines surely meant better food, right?
Camilla opted for the relatively shorter queue.
By 12:40, they had finished eating and were preparing to leave.
Before they could exit the cafeteria, a young man rushed up, blocking Camilla's path.
He took a deep breath and said, "What's your major? I've noticed you for a while now. Could I get your WhatsApp?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
