Chapter 326 Whose Would She Choose?
Further along, behind a door, was a rest area Camilla had specifically designed.
It featured eight suites, each equipped with a bed, wardrobe, full-length mirror, and vanity. The common area offered a coffee corner, bookshelves, and even a swing for relaxation.
Additionally, since Camilla enjoyed cooking, she'd installed a small kitchen fully stocked with cookware.
This section was managed by a smart system, completely separate from the laboratory area to avoid cross-contamination.
"Upstairs there's a dedicated gym, and the backyard has a swimming pool with a lovely view. When you're tired, you can stand here with your coffee and enjoy the scenery. We're planning to put a snack station over there—one of our team members is quite the foodie," Camilla introduced.
When designing the space, Camilla had debated whether to include so many recreational areas.
It wasn't typical for a standard laboratory.
But she had reasoned that experiments and paper-writing required complete focus, and humans weren't machines—no one could work at high intensity indefinitely.
Appropriate rest and relaxation were essential, so she'd planned everything thoughtfully to create the optimal environment.
"This hardly looks like a lab!" Irvin exclaimed. "More like a resort!"
Royce smirked. "Hestia said the same thing."
"These rest areas are incredible. With hot showers available, you could easily stay overnight when running late experiments—it's just like home," Irvin remarked, running his hand along a doorframe, his eyes filled with longing.
Ignatius wore a similarly envious expression.
He wondered if someday he too could focus solely on research without dealing with difficult people and situations.
Noticing Ignatius's reaction, Royce suddenly said, "Sometimes, rebellion is easier than endurance. Most people just never dare to try."
"What if the rebellion fails?" Ignatius asked quietly.
Royce smiled. "Is anything in life guaranteed? If you fail, you fail. You start over. As long as you're still breathing, what's there to fear?"
Ignatius fell silent again.
Irvin, oblivious to their cryptic exchange, continued exploring like a curious child, touching and examining everything with fascination.
After the ceremony concluded and the guests departed, Camilla, Hestia, and Royce finally had a moment to rest.
Hestia dangled her legs, her face scrunched up. "After standing all morning, my legs don't feel like they belong to me anymore."
Royce sank into a lounge sofa with a deep sigh. "Finally, it's over."
Camilla, standing by the bookshelf, didn't appear as relaxed. "Royce, when you escorted those reporters out, did you brief them properly?"
Royce sat up straight. "I was planning to, but my grandmother offered to handle it. Don't worry—dealing with reporters is her specialty."
"Good," Camilla nodded. "There's one more thing I should mention privately to both of you."
"What is it?" They looked concerned.
"When I was seeing Professor Garcia off, she quietly informed me that our future academic output will be credited solely to Boundless Lab—independent from the department and even Harmony College."
Royce asked, "What does that mean? Is Professor Garcia suggesting our research should be completely separate from the department?"
Camilla nodded. "That's the idea."
Hestia frowned. "While that's satisfying, will the department agree? They're not fools."
"Professor Garcia said she'll handle the department. We should focus on our research and do our work," Camilla replied.
"That's fantastic! We'll essentially be working for ourselves!" Hestia exclaimed, happily stuffing two cookies into her mouth. She then murmured, "So delicious! A hot cup of coffee right now would make this perfect..."
Before Hestia could finish, Camilla's phone rang.
"Hello?" Camilla answered.
"Hi, could you come get your coffee delivery? I can't access your building."
Camilla was puzzled.
Coffee? She hadn't ordered any.
The delivery person insisted, so Camilla went to retrieve it.
Three cups of coffee, still hot.
Hestia beamed. "Camilla, how thoughtful! You pre-ordered coffee from our favorite place!"
"It wasn't me," Camilla replied.
Hestia looked surprised. "Was it you, Royce?"
Royce immediately denied it. "Not me."
"Then who?"
Just then, Sebastian walked in, noticing the coffee in their hands. "I see the delivery arrived faster than expected."
Hestia gasped. "Professor Russell, you ordered the coffee?"
Sebastian nodded. "I wasn't sure about your preferences, so I ordered the same for everyone."
Hestia nodded enthusiastically. "It's perfect!"
At that moment, Camilla's phone rang again.
"Okay, I'll be right out," she replied.
Three minutes later, she returned with another delivery bag.
Hestia stared in disbelief. "Three more coffees? Professor Russell, did you order these too?"
Sebastian shook his head.
"Then who did?"
"Has the coffee arrived?" Marcus walked in smiling, but his expression quickly changed when he noticed the cups they were already holding.
His gaze briefly landed on Sebastian before returning to Camilla. "Seems I'm a bit late to the party."
The atmosphere instantly tensed.
Hestia glanced at Royce, who was already looking her way.
They exchanged knowing glances.
"Professor Russell and Mr. Davis had the same idea—how thoughtful!" Hestia chimed in cheerfully, taking one of Marcus's coffees. "How did you know I could drink two cups? Different brands and flavors too—you're both so considerate!"
Marcus's expression softened slightly.
Royce quietly took another cup. "Thanks, Mr. Davis."
Sebastian looked at Camilla. "You probably can't drink two cups, can you?"
Everyone turned to look at Camilla, who now had two cups in front of her.
Marcus smiled. "Mine is served hot."
Sebastian replied, "What a coincidence, so is mine."
"I ordered Camilla's favorite flavor."
"I'm sure she won't dislike what I chose."
"I selected low sugar—healthier!"
"Another coincidence—I did the same."
So whose would she choose?
Both men looked intently at Camilla, waiting for her decision.
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