on my academic idol

eration factors," Lily said again, clearly trying

lit up, and he set down his wine glass. "Tha

ering the basic theory, experimental d

ing occasionally and asking s

g the microenvironment for neu

ng molecules," I answered. "Most studies focus on singl

ing approvingly. "Your systematic thi

Simon, seated at the head of the tab

, intense enough to ma

more engaged in our discussio

ffened, and his knuckles whi

n seemed to ha

ued. "If you hit any technical roadblocks, feel free to rea

," I said sincerely. "Your p

looked even grimmer, his jaw tigh

? But why would

ew tense until Et

caller ID and stoo

r at the lab. I have to step out." He addressed

Pier

ke it had been st

on said, nodding with a voice t

t, the room's atmosphe

tting casually, and Li

on Pierce, heir to the Pierce Group," she whispered.

rce Group...

e, and my min

was?" I asked, my voice t

's a legend in Jaxperton's business world. He's young and already runs the entire Pie

ead of the table, where

nd his ears tur

at the consulate b

raised his car window whe

texted me about divorce, ob

all the sa

in our year of arranged marriage,

cross from him was Lila Vance,

ld was t