Chapter 889 What Are You Thinking About
Getting the chance to go abroad for an exchange program was a huge recognition of Lyra's professional skills. It was also the perfect opportunity for her to broaden her horizons and grow.
But the intern who found out about it had other plans.
She approached Lyra and slipped her a packet of powder, whispering, "Dr. Chapman, when you go out with the director, find a chance to put this in his drink. Do it, and I'll give you a hundred grand."
Lyra's eyes widened in shock, and she shook her head vigorously. "No way, that's illegal. I can't do that."
The intern's expression turned cold, and she threatened, "Don't forget, you took my money before and promised to help me."
"If you don't do it, I'll tell everyone you took money to secretly photograph Mr. Gray. You'll be finished."
"And do you think your family will let you off the hook? If they find out you blew this opportunity, they'll make a huge fuss."
Lyra's face went pale.
She thought about all the struggles she had gone through to get here. Was she going to throw it all away because of this?
But if she did what the intern asked, how could she live with herself? How could she face Jeffery after betraying his trust?
Seeing Lyra's hesitation, the intern pressed on, "Just slip the powder in his drink. He won't notice. Once he's out, take a few photos. It's easy. After this, we're even."
Lyra bit her lip until it bled.
Torn by her inner conflict, she finally nodded reluctantly.
The intern, satisfied, smirked and warned Lyra not to try anything funny before leaving quickly.
Lyra stood there alone, clutching the packet of powder tightly.
Soon, the day of departure arrived.
Lyra dragged her heavy luggage to the airport with Jeffery.
On the way, Jeffery tried to discuss some medical topics related to the exchange to ease her nerves.
But Lyra was distracted and only gave half-hearted responses.
In the waiting hall, Lyra's palms were sweaty, and she kept glancing at Jeffery, her mind in turmoil.
After boarding, Lyra sat next to Jeffery, feeling her heartbeat echoing loudly in the small cabin.
When the flight attendant came to serve meals and drinks, Lyra's hands trembled as she took the water cup, avoiding eye contact with Jeffery.
She secretly reached into her pocket, touching the cold packet of powder, which sent a shiver down her spine.
Jeffery seemed to notice Lyra's unease and asked softly, "Dr. Chapman, are you feeling okay? You don't look so good."
Lyra forced a calm response, "Mr. Gray, I'm fine, just a bit tired."
The plane finally landed, and Lyra followed Jeffery out of the cabin, her steps unsteady.
While retrieving their luggage, Lyra was so distracted that she almost took someone else's suitcase, but Jeffery reminded her in time.
After leaving the airport, they took a pre-arranged vehicle to the hotel.
Upon arrival, they were informed that due to a booking system error, only one double room was available.
Jeffery frowned slightly, looked at Lyra, and said, "Let's just take it for now, Dr. Chapman. You stay here, and I'll see if I can make other arrangements."
Lyra was startled and quickly said, "Mr. Gray, I can't let you do that. I'll go and coordinate."
Jeffery waved his hand, "You rest first. You've had a long day. I'll handle it."
Lyra entered the room, looking at the two beds with mixed feelings.
She was grateful for Jeffery's care but felt immense guilt and fear for what she was about to do.
She sat on the edge of the bed, clutching her clothes tightly, lost in thought.
After a while, Jeffery returned, saying helplessly, "No luck. All nearby hotels are fully booked. We'll have to make do for tonight. Don't overthink it; it's just a special situation."
Lyra nodded and said softly, "Okay, Mr. Gray."
When Jeffery went to freshen up, Lyra's eyes fell on the kettle on the table. Her hand unconsciously reached into her pocket, touching the packet of powder.
Her heartbeat quickened, and sweat beads formed on her forehead.
This was a perfect opportunity.
Lyra's hand clenched the packet of powder tightly, her knuckles turning white from the pressure.
In extreme struggle, Lyra slowly stood up, pretending to walk casually towards the table with the kettle.
She trembled as she picked up the kettle, poured the powder into one of the cups, quickly added hot water, and gently stirred, trying to dissolve the powder as quickly as possible.
Just as Lyra finished and placed the cup back on the table, Jeffery emerged from the bathroom.
He was wearing a loose bathrobe, his hair still damp, with a few strands casually falling on his forehead. Water droplets slid down his chiseled face, dripping onto his exposed collarbone before disappearing into the bathrobe.
Lyra inadvertently glanced up and saw this scene, her heart skipping a beat, and a blush spreading across her face.
She hurriedly looked away but couldn't help sneaking another peek.
Jeffery seemed unaware of Lyra's reaction.
He dried his hair with a towel as he walked towards Lyra, his voice low and lazy from the recent shower, "What are you thinking about?"
Lyra stammered, "Nothing, Mr. Gray. Have some water."
Her voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with tension and unease, her fingers twisting together nervously.
Jeffery walked over to Lyra and reached for the cup with the drugged water.
Lyra's breath caught, her eyes fixed on the cup in Jeffery's hand, her throat feeling like it was blocked, wanting to stop him, but not knowing how.
Just as Jeffery brought the cup to his lips, Lyra's heart seemed to stop, her mind blank, watching helplessly.
However, Jeffery only took a small sip before frowning and saying, "This water tastes a bit strange."
Lyra's heart sank, her face turning pale. She forced a calm response, "Maybe the water quality here is different."
Jeffery looked at Lyra, his gaze probing, but he didn't say anything more and placed the cup back on the table.
The atmosphere in the room became unusually tense. Lyra could hear her rapid heartbeat. She didn't dare look up at Jeffery, afraid he would see through her.
Jeffery slowly approached Lyra.
He carried a faint scent of body wash mixed with his unique scent, enveloping Lyra.