Chapter 4

Daniel Evans, returning empty-handed, was not one to give up easily. Like a skilled hunter, he knew how to play his cards right. 

The next day, a phone call to the college leader about a potential collaboration between Astra Tech and the school led to an immediate invitation for him to discuss details on campus. 

This was precisely his intent. Accompanied by the dean, Daniel Evans surveyed every corner of the campus. 

Students passing by noted the dean personally guiding this distinguished-looking young man, surely a graduate of high esteem and influence. 

Stopping outside the UCL School of Pharmacy, Daniel Evans surveyed the surroundings with a slight frown, "Even with the guidance, finding her won't be easy." 

At that moment, Daniel Evans spotted something, halting abruptly, his gaze burning intensely. 

Grace Jones, just stepping out the door, looked up, and their eyes met across the distance. She stood rooted on the spot, forgetting to breathe. 

He walked towards her, contemplating a casual greeting, but was interrupted. 

Grace Jones chilled by his gaze, instinctively hid behind Eva Hudson. 

"Oh no, oh no." Eva Hudson gasped, pulling Grace Jones back towards the library. 

Daniel Evans ignored their retreat, a smug smile creeping onto his lips. "She was so naive, still clueless after all that had happened. She was quite amusing." 

He had been waiting for her to appear, wandering the campus under the guise of project collaboration. It seemed he would meet the little wildcat tonight! 

Grace followed Eva, oblivious to the sharp eyes tracking her every move. 

Daniel Evans sat in his office, chin resting on his hand, leaning back in thought. He had to find a way to approach the enigmatic student again. He would not rest until he did. 

That evening, Eva seeing her best friend's Day-long daze, finally asked, " Why are you being glum all day? Are you too scared? Don't worry, I am here for you!" 

"Ah, it's nothing that serious." Grace quickly mustered a faint smile, hiding her unease, "I'm fine, don't overthink it." 

"Are you sure? You seem troubled." Eva was not fooled by her facade. 

"I'm fine." Grace waved her hands dismissively with a playfully mimicking Taylor Swift's signature move to reassure her best friend. 

Little did Grace know, a low chuckle echoed behind her. 

The next day, Grace went to class as usual, only to be singled out by the stern Professor Wills as the sixth unfortunate student to be reprimanded. 

Eva Hudson pulled her aside and whispered, "Oh no, not again." 

"Miss Jones!" Suddenly, a voice called out, interrupting their conversation. 

"I'm Here!" She then responded instinctively, her body reacting before her mind. 

 "I would like to discuss your eassy after class, come and see me in my office." the professor said gravely. 

Her heart sank, she knew Professor Wills was notoriously strict, and with the meeting minutes issue unresolved, this new trouble was no joke. Reluctantly, she agreed with "Yes." 

After class, Grace took a deep breath, knocked lightly, and entered. 

Daniel Evans sat in the visitor's seat behind Professor Wills' desk, his hands crossed, a serious expression on his face. 

"Professor Wills." Grace began cautiously, praying not to be scolded again. 

To her surprise, the professor did not reprimand her as expected but casually inquired about her recent studies, she felt relieved. 

"That's all, you may leave by now." Professor Wills waved her off. 

Grace felt a secret joy released from her intense mode, not only had Professor Wills spared her criticism, but the bar owner did not seem to recognize her, freeing her from caution. 

Yet, for some reason, a sense of loss lingered. 

As she turned to leave the office, a husky voice followed her: "Leaving just like that is not polite, I think we had more to talk."