Chapter 3

3.

I went back to my desk, brewed a fresh cup of coffee, and started browsing some new research papers.

After a while, Garret appeared in front of my desk, his chin tilted up so high he was practically looking at the ceiling.

“Kellan, I need the research files and your proposed restoration plan for the Atlas.”

The colleagues around us immediately perked up, their eyes darting between us.

It was rare to see a rookie steal a project from a veteran, especially after a public scolding from the Director.

I ignored him, turning a page in my journal and taking a slow sip of coffee.

The air stayed frozen for about three minutes before Garret finally snapped.

“Kellan, did you hear me? What’s your problem?”

I set my cup down and slowly pulled a folder from my drawer.

I slid the file across the desk. “Here’s the background data. Take your time, junior.”

Garret blinked, surprised that I surrendered the documents so quickly.

He reached out and flipped through the pages, but his expression soured instantly.

“Wait... these are just the historical notes. Where is the actual restoration plan?”

He sounded annoyed, as if I were intentionally making his life difficult.

I smiled, though the warmth didn't reach my eyes.

“Garret, a restoration plan is a restorer's intellectual property.”

“It’s like a chef’s secret recipe. You don't just hand it over for free.”

“Besides, didn't Lyra say you stay up late studying every night?”

“With all that hard work, I’m sure you already have a brilliant plan of your own.”

A few muffled coughs erupted from the other desks as people tried to hide their laughter.

Garret’s face turned several shades of red, looking like a bruised tomato.

Just then, Lyra marched over, her high heels clicking aggressively on the floor.

“Kellan Reed, what are you doing?”

“You agreed to step down, but now you’re sabotaging Garret behind his back!”

I chuckled softly. “How am I sabotaging him? I gave him all the research data.”

“A restoration plan requires a brain. He has to think for himself eventually, right?”

“He can't just expect me to do the work for him.”

The office was buzzing with whispers now. The gossip was reaching a fever pitch.

Garret looked like he was about to explode.

Lyra immediately stepped into her role as his protector. “Just give him the plan! Why are you being so petty?”

“Garret is doing you a favor by cleaning up your mess. You should be grateful!”

“You know exactly how he got this project, Kellan,” she hissed, leaning in close so only I could hear.

“If you weren't so stubborn about sharing the spotlight, I wouldn't have had to do what I did.”

“Just do your basic work and stop trying to be the hero all the time.”

She always did this―downplayed my talent and acted like I was just some glory-seeker.

She never truly believed that I was the top expert in our field.

I looked at her coldly. “I gave him the files. I’m keeping the plan.”

“If he can't even figure out how to start, then he shouldn't touch the Atlas at all.”

Lyra turned pale with rage, but she had no comeback.