Chapter 49: Under The Microscope
Darcy glanced around Elina Palmer’s office, letting his gaze wander across the space with subtle curiosity. The walls were lined with framed certificates and awards. Bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling crammed full of thick textbooks and neatly organised journals.
On the polished desk sat a framed family photo. Darcy stepped a bit closer and tilted his head. Micah was there, noticeably younger, standing between two girls with a wide grin. Behind them Elina Palmer stood tall and composed, her hand resting gently on Micah’s shoulder. A man hugged Elina, perhaps her husband and their father, smiling proudly.
Darcy’s expression softened. There was warmth in that photo, a kind of familial harmony that didn’t seem staged.
At first glance, Micah’s mother seemed like a genuine person. She hadn’t looked down on his faded shirt or worn-out bag. No snide remarks, no long glances at his striking face. For someone like Darcy, who was used to being quietly judged, that was rare.
However, she had surprised him by taking a jab at Micah. Her words had seemed full of sarcasm. What was she getting at?
Was she testing him? Trying to gauge his reaction to her harsh words toward Micah?
The thought stuck in his mind as Elina returned to the office.
"I apologise for the delay, where were we?" Elina said calmly and sat down in her chair.
Darcy straightened, his features shifting back to polite attentiveness.
"Mr Edwood, I am sure you have heard about it from Micah. I’ve long admired your talent. I was honestly a bit disappointed to hear you chose the engineering department over our mathematics faculty. However, I understand. Engineering has its practical advantages in today’s job market. But I wonder, what is your take on fundamental research? Its value in long-term innovation?"
This was all it took. The conversation swiftly deepened, Darcy gradually becoming more animated. He leaned forward slightly, debating about his new ideas. Elina’s eyes lit up in return, her hands moving subtly as she offered counterpoint and posed questions.