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30% Under the Lycan's Spell / Chapter 6: C I A R

Chương 6: C I A R

"A boyfriend?" Alessandra asked as she helped Gabby with her things. "And you actually forgot to tell grandmother?" After assisting her with her belongings, Alessandra also helped open the car door for Gabby before she hopped on the front seat.

"You know how she is…" Gabby casually said as she looked out of the window.

"This boyfriend… he said he wanted to meet your family but you refused to bring him around. Don't you think that's unfair for him?" Alessandra asked as Ryan slowly drove the car out of the hospital parking lot.

"Unfair?" Gabby mumbled. Sebastian really had to weave a very nice story about Gabby being the one who refused to bring him around and introduce him to her family. "I just had my engagement canceled," Gabby said. Almost immediately, it made the atmosphere tense.

This was Gabby's intention all along. She could sense Ryan's gaze from the rearview mirror but ignored it. She was telling the truth. She just had her engagement canceled.

"Still, Seb deserves better…"

"You should stop calling him by his name," Gabby said, her tone cold.

"Really? Gabby?"

Gabby pursed her lips. She could easily say that Alessandra started calling Ryan 'Ryry' after their first meeting. Look at them now?

However, she did not want Ryan to kick her out of the car, and honestly? Gabby thought it was no longer worth it.

"Take me to the office," Gabby said.

"The doctor said—"

"It's fine… I am fine," Gabby said. Surprisingly, she did not have any concussion from that explosion. However, this was not a part of her concern. For the first time in days, her clingy 'boyfriend' finally left! He told her he needed to make some arrangements in advance.

"Gabby, I can take care of you." Alessandra let out a sigh. "I know you are hesitant—"

"I am not," Gabby turned towards her twin sister. "I still have some things to do at the facility."

"But you just got out of the hospital," Alessandra said.

"And?"

"Aren't you supposed to be resting right now?"

"Well… I am not." Gabby turned towards Ryan. "Please take me to CIAR." CIAR, or The Chronos Institute for Archaeological Research, is where Gabby has been working for the past few years. This is where she met Dr. Gomez, a Senior research personnel who then became the head of their department.

Over the years, Gabby had climbed up the ladder. She is now the Junior Researcher and is directly working under Dr. Gomez— the late Dr. Gomez.

The thought of the late Dr. Gomez only worsened her mood. Somehow, the older man's joke about mummies didn't seem to be that cringey after all. "You are pregnant, just focus on your child," Gabby added before turning her attention outside of the car. She didn't want them to blame her if something happened to her sister or her baby.

Besides, if Werewolves are indeed hunting her, then getting close to the pregnant Alessandra would soon become a problem.

Gabby hated these two, but not enough for her to wish ill for their unborn child.

"Alright," Ryan said. "Since she wanted to work, you should let her," Ryan said to Alessandra. "Besides, you have been very stressed lately. You are pregnant, it is time that you focus on yourself."

Alessandra did not answer, and for a few minutes, silence wrapped around them like a cocoon— something that Gabby preferred to do more than act cordial with her sister and ex.

Finally, the car stopped at the gates of the large facility.

"Thanks…"

"Are you coming home for dinner? I am going to prepare something—"

"No." Gabby gave a curt answer. "Sebastian will prepare something for me." She gave a seamless lie.

"Of course," Alessandra nodded.

Watching the car move away from her, Gabby let out a loud sigh. The only reason why she was still cordial with Alessandra was because of their grandmother. However, talking to her twin is exhausting. She turned around and marched towards the large building where CIAR was located.

The Chronos Institute for Archaeological Research (CIAR) occupied a grand old building in downtown Chicago. It was an older building that used to be a warehouse which had been repurposed and turned into what it is now. Made of red brick with large glass windows, the building was the house of many research departments.

The moment she walked in, she was immediately greeted by a spacious lobby. "Mariam!" Gabby greeted the middle-aged receptionist.

"Miss Lockwood! My god, what are you doing here?" the woman's smile vanished when she realized that Gabby was there. She bobbed her head up and down as she examined Gabby. "You are supposed to be resting!" the redhead added.

"I received your flowers… thank you. Perhaps that's the reason why I already feel fine?" Gabby smiled and ignored the woman's exaggerated expression. Mariam was well known for her reactions. "Is anyone around?" After the thievery, they were advised to stay at home for a few days to give time to the company to fix everything.

"No. Uh… nothing from your department. The Director is here talking to— Ah! This reminds me…" Mariam took a folder from her drawer. "I was told to give this to you when you come… next week." Mariam emphasized the words 'next week.' "You know? Five days from now?"

Gabby only gave the woman an awkward laugh. "Thanks… " she looked at the folder and bid the receptionist goodbye before she walked towards the elevator to the right.

She quickly pressed the number three before she opened the folder.

"Huh?"

The folder Gabby received likely contained information about a new collaborative project between CIAR and a well-known pharmaceutical company called A and Co Pharmaceuticals.

This collaboration was something that the personnel from A and Co requested her to be a part of. Gabby frowned as she thought of A and Co. A and Co. is a company based in Alaska and is one of the largest Pharmaceutical companies in Northern America.

Why would they suddenly collaborate with CIAR?

*DING*

Gabby walked out of the elevator only for her step to falter when she spotted someone familiar in the lobby.

"Ah! Perfect!" Director Timothy Wilson smiled when he saw Gabby walk out of the elevator. "Dr. Lockwood, please come here…"

Gabby blinked as her gaze landed on the man who towered over the director of CIAR.

"Dr. Lockwood was just in an accident, and she was expected to come next week, but as you can see, she is already back." Dr. Timothy smiled.

He then turned to the stranger. "Dr. Lockwood, this is Mr. Sebastian Devereux, CEO of A and Co Pharmaceuticals. He'll be working closely with you from now on."

A flicker of surprise crossed Gabby's face as Sebastian's eyes met hers. Standing beside the Director, extending a hand towards her, was none other than Sebastian Devereux. The very same Sebastian who'd been acting like her loving boyfriend just hours ago.

Her surprise sparked a flicker across her face, but Gabby quickly schooled her features into a mask of cool indifference. "

It's nice to meet you, Mr. Devereux," she said, her voice calm.

Sebastian's smile, however, remained unfazed. "Sebastian," he corrected, his voice smooth and charming. "Please, call me Sebastian."


next chapter

Chương 7: A Real CEO

"You," Gabby hissed the question under her breath, her voice barely audible amidst the low hum of the fluorescent lights. "What the heck are you doing here?" she demanded, her eyes narrowed at Sebastian.

He lifted an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Isn't it obvious, Dr. Lockwood?" His voice held a husky undertone. There was a hint of something else by the way he pronounced her name— something that she found infuriating.

"I thought you would follow me around!" she said, maintaining a calm facade.

"Why would I do that when I can work next to you?" he answered.

"Lying about A and Co is not going to be a small matter. That company is huge. Why would you— "

"A and Co Pharmaceuticals is deeply interested in CIAR's expertise, particularly yours, Dr. Lockwood," his voice was low, almost as if he was simply murmuring her name. She was not able to stop the shiver down her spine.

"I am not talking about that," she hissed. "Why would you lie about A and Co? You could have used another company. I don't know a start-up one?" she asked.

"Who told you that I am lying about A and Co?" Sebastian arched an eyebrow.

"You— "

"Gabby?" a cheerful voice sliced through the tense atmosphere.

Both Gabby and Sebastian turned to find a blonde woman standing a few feet away, her gaze flitting between them with curiosity. "I heard you were showing someone from A and Co around?"

Gabby internally cursed her rotten luck. Of all the people to appear at this precise moment, it had to be Melanie— another junior researcher from another department.

"Yes, I— Mr. Devereux, this is Dr. Melanie James. She's working on the artifacts from the Aztec Civilization," Gabby said. "Why are you here, Dr. James? Don't you have something important to do for your research?"

"You just had an accident." Melanie smiled. Decked out in a pencil skirt that accentuated her curves, Melanie approached them. "How could I let you tour Mr. Devereux when you're supposed to be on a break?"

"Right." Gabby did not know what to say. Gabby almost stumbled when Melanie suddenly squeezed in between her and Sebastian. However, she didn't have the time to complain as Melanie was already talking to Sebastian.

"I didn't think that the son of the Chairman of A and Co would personally come today," Melanie said, her eyes darting towards Sebastian, seemingly appraising him as they started walking. "I can't help but be flattered at A and Co's interest."

Gabby felt a familiar prickle of annoyance. Melanie's blatant flirting was like nails on a chalkboard, especially at such an inopportune moment.

"For a while, A and Co had been showing interest in archaeology." Sebastian remained unfazed; however, Gabby already noticed a change in the man's atmosphere. Still, she chose to maintain her silence.

"Really? How fascinating. Working with A and Co sounds like quite an exciting opportunity. Perhaps I could offer some insights on the Aztec artifacts we've been studying. Collaboration is key, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Devereux?" Her voice took on a suggestive lilt, the subtext clear. Gabby gritted her teeth, internally rolling her eyes. Melanie's tactics were as predictable as they were annoying.

"I'm sure your expertise would be invaluable, Dr. James, but I am not exactly here to study Aztec artifacts," Sebastian said, his tone calm. Hearing this, Gabby didn't know what to say.

"Then perhaps at a later date?" Melanie said.

"Unfortunately, I would be busy with the business and Miss Lockwood," Sebastian answered, once again leaving Melanie speechless.

Almost immediately, Melanie's flirtatious facade crumbled. Her smile faltered, replaced by a glare so sharp it could have cut glass. It was aimed squarely at Gabby.

Gabby met the gaze unflinchingly, her jaw clenched tight. What the hell did she do? She didn't even say a single word! Why was she being blamed here? She held Melanie's glare for a beat, then turned back to Sebastian, her voice laced with cool professionalism.

"As I was saying, Mr. Devereux," she began, "the X department might be more suitable for discussing the specifics of the project. They specialize in..."

Her voice trailed off as a wave of dizziness washed over her, the lingering effects of the accident suddenly catching up. She stumbled slightly, her vision blurring at the edges.

Sebastian immediately reached out to steady her. "Are you alright, Dr. Lockwood?" he asked.

She squeezed her eyes shut. His touch sent a jolt through her. This time, however, it wasn't entirely unwelcome.

"I should be…" she mumbled. "I— "

Melanie watched the exchange with narrowed eyes. The fire in her gaze had dimmed, replaced by a calculating glint.

"Perhaps Dr. Lockwood needs to return to her rest," Melanie remarked, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "She doesn't look too well. Don't worry Gabby, you can stay in my office for a while. I can continue the tour with Mr. Devereux."

"I can assure you, I'm fine," Gabby retorted, pushing away from Sebastian's hand with a touch more force than necessary. "Just a little lightheaded. Mr. Devereux and I will continue our tour."

"Are you sure?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes," Gabby met Melanie's eyes. She knew what this woman was doing but she had no time for any of this.

"Dr. Lockwood, perhaps it would be best to head home and get some rest. You seem a bit unsteady." Sebastian said.

"Alright," she conceded. However, she didn't want to see Alessandra and Ryan again. She would really prefer her lab right now. Sadly, CIAR is still fixing it. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Devereux."

A triumphant smirk played on Melanie's lips. However, her victory was short-lived as Sebastian spoke again, his gaze fixed on Gabby."And since you're clearly not well enough to drive, allow me to take you home. It wouldn't be right to leave you after you've gone to such trouble today."

Melanie's smile vanished.

"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Devereux," Gabby said. "But I wouldn't want to trouble you—"

"It's no trouble at all," Sebastian cut her off gently. "Consider it part of our collaboration, ensuring the well-being of our key personnel."

His words held a double meaning, directed not only at Gabby but also at Melanie, whose presence was becoming increasingly unwelcome. Seeing Gabby's hesitant nod, Sebastian turned towards Melanie.

"Dr. James, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I believe Dr. Lockwood and I have covered everything for now. Perhaps we can continue our discussions at another time when everyone is feeling their best."

With that, Sebastian ushered Gabby towards the elevators, leaving a speechless and fuming Melanie in his wake.


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