Chapter 1798

Karina forced a smile. "Really, it's fine. You all go ahead."

Yvette pouted, her disappointment clear as she relented. "Alright then."

Once the others had left, Karina tried to refocus on work. She pulled out her research materials, determined to get something done. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept wandering. The cheerful chatter from outside finally snapped her out of it, making her realize just how distracted she had been.

Karina gave a wry smile and muttered to herself, "This is why you don't get ahead of yourself. Seriously, one of life's biggest delusions."

For a fleeting moment, she had thought Wilfred might feel something for her too. But it was better this way, she told herself-better to wake up now than to fall in too deep later. Romance wasn't her strong suit; focusing on her career was safer. While others might drown their heartbreak in food or a night out, Karina chose the most grueling outlet: work. It might be exhausting, but it was effective.

She skipped the first day of the lecture series, diving headfirst into refining her medical proposal. By the end of an all-nighter, her plan was polished to near perfection, and despite the lack of sleep, she felt exhilarated.

Without thinking, she called Wilfred to share her progress. Brimming with enthusiasm, she poured out her thoughts. After her passionate explanation, there was a brief silence before Wilfred spoke, his tone flat and devoid of emotion. "So, you pulled an all-nighter?"

His calm voice, though steady, carried a weight that made Karina tense up. Even over the phone, she could sense the disapproval.

"I just wanted to finish early," she mumbled, defensive. "It's fine! I don't have much to do today. I can take a day off to rest."

There was a long pause before she heard a faint sigh, so soft she almost thought she had imagined it.

"Then we'll push today's lecture back."

Karina blinked in surprise. "Why would you delay it? Aren't there only three days scheduled?"

She knew Wilfred's time was

precious, and his itinerary was tight. He had flown in specifically for this lecture series and was expected back in Birkham immediately after.

Wilfred replied matter-of-factly, "True, but you missed yesterday's session." Karina frowned, unsure how that was relevant.

"This

material

related to the project you're working

as won 2 cries a

on,"

è continued. "It wouldwectly

for you to miss it."

In other words, he was altering his schedule for her benefit.

Karina's emotions swirled regret for missing the first day, guilt for causing an inconvenience, and a profound sense of gratitude.

Flustered, she murmured, "I'm sorry, Dr.-I mean, Wilfred. I promise I'll be there tomorrow."

"Not tomorrow," he corrected. "The day after. You've been up all night. You need to rest first. Have you eaten yet?"

Karina admitted she hadn't.

"Then meet me for lunch," he said. "Afterward, I'll take you home so you can sleep. I've already spoken to your director about your leave."

QUMS

His efficiency left no room for argument. By the time Karina could process what had happened, everything had already been arranged.

At lunchtime, Wilfred arrived to pick her up. To avoid any unwanted attention, she waited for him in the parking lot.

From afar, she saw him in a long overcoat approaching, his face cold and stern, as if he carried a chill with him. He pressed the smart key. With a soft click, the car door unlocked instantly.