Chapter 6 Found a New Boyfriend?

"I should totally say sorry for being such a hothead back then. I owe her that much."

Juniper almost spit out her drink. She coughed a couple of times, her face screaming 'no way,' "Oh, please, spare me."

"You know, the only class I ever flunked in college and had to retake was Professor Garcia’s elective. She scares the crap outta me. Plus, someone like me? Aurora probably doesn’t even remember I exist. I really can’t help you."

Seeing Juniper's reluctance, Camilla backed off.

"But," Juniper's eyes sparkled with mischief as she switched gears, "I do know someone who might help."

"Who?"

"Remember my cousin, Sebastian?"

Camilla took a sip of water and nodded, "Yeah, of course."

Sebastian Russell, the youngest big shot in the physics world, was named the top young scientist by Nature magazine last year.

He studied applied biological sciences under Aurora during his undergrad, cranking out five SCI papers in two years. Total genius in the bio world.

For some reason, he later switched to physics, causing quite a buzz.

It turned out, when you were that good, you could crush it in anything.

Sebastian was now a major player in international physics.

Camilla went to the same school as Sebastian but at different times, so she was technically his junior.

When she first got there, she heard all these legends about Sebastian. It wasn’t until she met Juniper that she found out he was her cousin.

Sebastian had been working at a physics research institute abroad and only came back three months ago.

"Sebastian asked about Professor Garcia a few days ago but hasn’t had the time. Perfect for you two to go together."

The more Juniper talked, the more it made sense. She called Sebastian right away.

After two rings, he picked up.

Camilla heard a deep, slightly cold voice, "What’s up?"

Juniper quickly explained the situation.

There was some background noise; he seemed super busy and hung up in less than a minute.

"Done! Sebastian will meet you tomorrow at 2 PM at Urban Harvest Diner."

Juniper squeezed her hand, "Just get a good night’s sleep tonight. We’ll figure out the rest tomorrow."

Camilla nodded, "Thanks, I got it."

The next day.

Camilla left half an hour early.

When she got to the restaurant, she checked her watch. It was two minutes to two.

Not too early, not too late, just right.

She pushed the door open, and a waiter led her a short distance. She looked up and saw Sebastian sitting by the window.

He was sipping coffee, looking all cool and indifferent.

Dressed in a simple white shirt and black pants, with gold-rimmed glasses on his nose, the sunlight hitting his profile made him look like a painting.

In contrast, she wore a white t-shirt, jeans, and a high ponytail, looking pretty casual.

Sensing Camilla’s gaze, Sebastian turned his head.

"Sit down, what do you want to drink?"

His deep voice had a slight tingle that reached her ears. Camilla snapped back to reality, pulled out a chair opposite him, and sat down.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Camilla apologized.

Sebastian adjusted his glasses and spoke calmly, "Not long. I only got here five minutes early. I have some data to process in the lab, so I can only give you thirty minutes today. Is that enough?"

"That’s plenty."

The waiter came over, and Camilla ordered a lemon water.

Sebastian cut to the chase, “So, what do you need me to do to see Professor Garcia?”

Straight to the point. Nice.

Camilla liked his no-BS attitude and laid it out, “Professor Garcia’s out of the hospital. I don’t know where she’s staying now, so I need you to take me to her. And if she flips out…”

Her eyes flickered, “I need you to help calm her down.”

Sebastian’s lips twitched into a faint smile.

Camilla went on, “I know you’re busy, so you can pick the time.”

Sebastian nodded, “Alright, two days from now.”

Camilla thanked him.

Sipping her lemon water, she suddenly asked, “Why are you willing to help me?”

Sebastian looked at her for a moment. Just when Camilla thought he wouldn’t answer, he said, “Because you’re Camilla.”

Camilla was puzzled.

“Professor Garcia once said,” Sebastian took a sip of coffee and spoke slowly, “that she has three regrets in her life. First, her life is too short for all the scientific research she wants to do. Second, she has no kids. Third, is Camilla.”

Camilla was stunned, her fingertips digging into her palm.

Sebastian’s sharp gaze fixed on her, a deep curiosity and scrutiny flashing in his eyes, but it quickly returned to calm.

This was his first time meeting Camilla, but not the first time hearing her name.

He thought, 'What’s so special about a girl that Professor Garcia would call her a “pity,” putting her alongside life, research, and family?'

Camilla’s throat felt dry, and she lowered her eyes slightly.

She could even imagine Aurora’s disappointed and regretful look when mentioning her.

Sebastian took out a piece of paper and wrote down a string of numbers.

“This is my phone number.”

Camilla glanced at it, admiring the beautiful handwriting.

“Here’s your tiramisu.”

As the waiter placed the dessert down, he couldn’t help but secretly observe the guests at the table.

Leopold’s handsome face showed a bit of nonchalance, with a hint of impatience in his eyes.

Opposite him, Esme Adams wore a high-end red dress and carried a Hermes bag, clearly a wealthy heiress.

She seemed oblivious to Leopold’s irritation, chattering non-stop.

“Leopold, I heard from your mom that you have stomach issues. We have a doctor who specializes in treating stomach problems, so…”

Leopold played with his lighter, occasionally responding.

Today’s blind date was arranged by Elodie. Since he was here, he didn’t plan to make a scene.

But he had no interest in what Esme was saying.

His gaze drifted to a nearby table, suddenly stopping. He sat up straight.

Four or five tables away, Camilla was sitting with a man.

Leopold couldn’t hear their conversation but could see the faint smile on her face.

The previously tolerable noise suddenly became unbearable, making him increasingly irritable.

Leopold sneered and looked away.

“I should go.”

Sebastian’s time was tight, and thirty minutes was his limit.

Camilla understood and they both stood up.

As they left the restaurant, Sebastian stepped forward, holding the door open for her, very gentlemanly.

Camilla smiled, “Thanks.”

They walked to the roadside. Sebastian said, “My car’s over there.”

Camilla nodded, “See you the day after tomorrow.”

She stood there watching him leave. Just as she turned around, she unexpectedly met a pair of mocking eyes.

“Found a new boyfriend so quickly?”