The Wrong Woman

In the wee hours of the morning, the office was still bustling with

plenty of activity.

Everyone was startled when Suzanne showed up in her pajamas and a cardigan. Nathan wasn’t too happy.

He headed her way and asked, “Didn’t I tell you to get some sleep?”

“Is the lab in Research Building Five?” Suzanne asked in a hurry.

Nathan was confused. “What’s happening?”

Suzanne looked directly at him and whispered in a sincere tone, Lucas mentioned that you guys couldn’t extract pure Azurium. I want to give it a shot.”

Nathan glared at Lucas, who looked guilty. Beads of sweat were forming on his forehead and he quickly shrank back.

Instead of following Nathan’s instructions to get Suzanne to sleep early, Lucas told her about the issues they were dealing with, leaving Suzanne all worked up. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

“You think you can handle it?” Nathan was surprised.

Suzanne shook her head, then nodded. She wasn’t completely

confident.

“I know the methods, but I can’t guarantee that it’ll work. You’ve been trying for a week without any success, so let me give it a try.”

Nathan looked at her hands and frowned helplessly. “You’re planning to try with those injured hands of yours?”

Suzanne grinned awkwardly and mumbled, “Or, you know, I’d happily take two assistants if you can spare them.”

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After a stressful day, Nathan’s mood unexpectedly lifted when he saw her. All the troubling worries suddenly felt a little smaller. He decided to allow her the chance to try.

“How long do you think this will take?” Nathan asked.

Suzanne shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Nathan glanced at his wristwatch. “It’s too late. Go back and get some rest. We can give it a shot tomorrow.”

“I’ve made it this far. Let me try it before heading back,” Suzanne

mumbled.

Everyone around them couldn’t believe their eyes.

Nathan, typically strict and in control, was now engaged in a calm conversation with Suzanne. His easygoing demeanor was a sharp contrast to the serious and stern attitude he displayed moments ago. No one had a clue about the topic of their discussion.

Suddenly, Nathan turned to Cole and directed, “Call Dr. Lawrence. Have him arrange for two assistants to come over, and get ready for another round of experiments.”

“Got it,” Cole responded and hurried out to call Joe.

Nathan took Suzanne’s hand and led her out of the office, with everyone following closely behind. The convoy of vehicles headed straight to Research Building Five.

Having received the news, Joe was already waiting downstairs at the research building. His face lit up with surprise and joy upon seeing

Suzanne.

“Mrs. Morrison, it’s you?”

Having met Joe before, Suzanne nodded politely and greeted, “Hello, Dr. Lawrence.”

Joe furrowed his brows when he saw her bandaged hands. “Mrs. Morrison, are your hands injured?”

“It’s not a big deal. I’m here to assist in extracting pure Azurium. My hands are less agile than I need them to be at the moment, so I could use two extra pairs to help out,” Suzanne explained, raising her hands a little awkwardly.

Just then, Alan approached while adjusting his glasses. He

exclaimed, “Aren’t you the lady who translated Delphius on the cruise?

Joe nudged Alan. “Lady? She’s Mrs. Morrison-General Morrison’s wife.”

Alan quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Morrison. I didn’t mean to be

rude.”

Suzanne smiled. “No worries. You’re Dr. Howard, right?”

“Yes,” Alan replied with respect.

“Mrs. Morrison, would it be okay for Dr. Howard and I to assist you?” Joe asked politely.

“Thank you, professors. I appreciate your help,” Suzanne replied.

Joe gestured. “Mrs. Morrison, this way please.”

Suzanne moved with modesty and grace, exuding a gentle elegance that seemed to captivate Nathan. She seemed different from the times when she usually felt insecure discussing her past.

Nathan was lost in thought until Cole came up quietly and asked, General Morrison, do you think Mrs. Morrison can handle this?”

Nathan didn’t seem too hopeful. “We’ve had various famous

professors working on this for a week to no avail. Do you think she

can do it?”

“Why even let Mrs. Morrison try it, then?” Cole questioned.

Nathan replied in a cold but slightly indulgent tone, “If she’s up for it, why not? Otherwise, she’ll be tossing and turning all night.”

“If Mrs. Morrison messes up the precious Azurium like Ms. Hoffis did, it’s going to be a big loss,” Cole said.

“There’s no way she will,” Nathan reassured with confidence.

Cole nodded in agreement.

Managers at all levels gathered in the research building and engaged in lively conversations. Nathan led the way, entering the lobby and taking a seat in the lounge area.

The buzz of people talking-some calling it a joke, others deeming it a waste-reached Nathan’s ears, but he paid them no mind. He seized the opportunity to get some rest.

After half an hour, the elevator doors suddenly opened. Joe hurried out in his lab attire, his hands trembling with excitement.

Pulling down his mask, he exclaimed, “General Morrison, we did it! We succeeded!”

Nathan’s eyes few open. He questioned whether he was still in a dream. Yet, the commotion around him served as a quick remind

that this was no dream. It was real.

Cole and Lucas were brimming with excitement, their enthusiasm almost akin to the joy of new parents. They rushed over to grasp Joe’s hands.

“Dr. Lawrence, is it true? Did you manage to extract it successfully?”

Joe nodded with excitement. The problem that had stumped them for a whole week, seemingly unsolvable, was fixed by Suzanne in just half an hour. He was more thrilled than anyone.

“Yes, we did it. It’s 100% pure Aruzium. Mrs. Morrison showed us the method. She even broke down the chemical into two rare molecules and figured out a bunch of other uses… She also-”

Lucas quickly cut off Joe, who was getting all emotional. “Alright, alright. We’re not getting what you’re saying. The key thing is we succeeded, and now we can finally catch some sleep.”

The room buzzed with a mix of shock and excitement.

Nathan rose to his feet with a serious expression etched across his face. Strange feelings swirled deep in his heart as he stood frozen.