Chapter 924 Self-Indulgent Affection
Robert could barely contain his excitement after getting Jeffery's response.
He signed the contract right away.
After signing, Robert couldn't help but say, "Mr. Gray, I always knew you were a blessing to our hospital. Looks like I was right!"
Jeffery replied calmly, "Well, you helped me out with a big issue. Think of this as my way of saying thanks."
Robert was taken aback.
When had he ever helped Jeffery? He had no clue.
Instinctively, he glanced at Lyra, catching the confusion in her eyes.
Robert suddenly got it and laughed. "Mr. Gray, you're too kind! Actually, Dr. Cole is super knowledgeable and capable. It wasn't a problem at all. We definitely got the better end of the deal."
Lyra didn't hear the rest of the conversation. Her mind was stuck on Jeffery's casual tone.
So, it was really because of her?
Just the thought made her heart flutter, like she was floating in a sea of honey. But her rational side told her to stay cool.
Lyra tried hard to keep her joy in check until they left Robert's office. Then she cautiously asked, "Mr. Gray, was it because of me?"
"If you want to think that, then sure."
The man in front of her still had a cool demeanor, but beneath that coolness, there seemed to be a hint of warmth.
That indescribable warmth almost made Lyra's heart leap out of her chest.
After a long pause, she murmured, "But why?"
Jeffery hesitated.
Why indeed? He looked at Lyra, realizing he hadn't even thought about it until she asked.
One person's confusion silently became two people's.
But one of them was much better at hiding it. Even though his mind was in turmoil, he managed to explain calmly.
"Because you're the only student I've ever mentored."
Student? Lyra's heart sank, the excitement crashing against the walls of her heart.
At first, she was stunned, but upon reflection, she realized she was indeed like a student to him. Jeffery had taught her everything, always including her.
Other mentors might not be as dedicated.
But why did it hurt so much?
Lyra lowered her eyes in embarrassment, then looked up with a bright smile, hiding the bitterness underneath. "I'm so lucky to be considered your student, Mr. Gray."
"Since that's the case, I won't tarnish your reputation."
Jeffery watched her smile, frowning slightly, but in the end, he just nodded.
After Pearl, he was acutely aware that someone like him might not be suited for relationships, as it would only hold others back.
Lyra was meant to shine the brightest.
Jeffery looked down, a fleeting darkness in his eyes, but he quickly masked it.
The lecture was scheduled for the afternoon, and her friend Mia Wilson invited her to join.
Lyra declined, "No, I have things to do. You guys go ahead. This lecture isn't mandatory. If you can record it and send it to me, I'll treat you to dinner."
"Sure, but watching it on a phone isn't the same as being there."
Lyra smiled, "Really, it's fine. You guys go."
Mia pouted, disappointed, "Alright then."
After everyone left, Lyra tried to focus on work. She pulled out her materials but couldn't concentrate, her mind wandering.
The sounds of laughter outside brought her back to reality, making her realize her lapse.
Lyra forced a smile, muttering to herself, "I told myself not to overthink. It's one of life's great illusions."
She almost believed Jeffery had feelings for her too.
But it was better this way. Waking up early meant she wouldn't fall too deep. Relationships weren't for her; she should focus on her career.
While others might eat or play to cope with heartbreak, Lyra chose the most grueling method: diving into work.
Though it was tough, it was effective.
She missed the first day's lecture, immersing herself in work, perfecting her medical plan. After an all-nighter, she was still full of energy.
She instinctively contacted Jeffery to discuss her plan.
After her passionate explanation, Jeffery simply said, "So, you pulled an all-nighter?"
His tone was flat, without any inflection.
Yet it felt like a hunter grabbing its prey by the neck.
Even over the phone, Lyra couldn't help but feel nervous. "I wanted to finish early, so... I don't have much to do today. I can take a day off to rest!"
After a long pause, she heard a very soft sigh on the other end.
So soft, she wondered if she imagined it.
"Then today's lecture will be postponed."
Lyra blurted out, "Why postpone it? We agreed on three days."
Jeffery was a busy man. This time, he managed to carve out three days for lectures at their hospital.
After three days, he had to return to Willow Creek to continue his work. That was the plan.
Now, Jeffery was changing the schedule. "Yes, but you missed yesterday."
Lyra didn't see the connection.
Jeffery continued, "This lecture covers the field of your current project. It will be very beneficial for you. Missing yesterday was fine, but missing today would be a shame."
In other words, he didn't want her to regret missing it.
So, he changed the schedule.
Lyra opened her mouth but didn't know how to express her feelings.
She felt a bit regretful about her decision yesterday, a bit ashamed, and very confused.
Finally, she mumbled an apology, "I'm sorry, Mr. Gray. I'll definitely be there tomorrow."
Jeffery corrected her, "Not today, tomorrow. After an all-nighter, you need to rest. Have you eaten?"
Lyra said no.
He told her to come out and have lunch with him nearby, then he'd take her home to rest.
As for taking the day off, Jeffery had already arranged it with Robert.
Jeffery's efficiency was astounding.
Lyra didn't even have time to refuse.
When lunchtime came, Jeffery indeed came to pick her up.
To avoid being seen and causing unnecessary misunderstandings, Lyra waited in the parking lot.
From a distance, she saw the man in a long coat approaching, his face stern, as if he carried a storm with him.
He unlocked the car with a click.
The door opened instantly.
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