Chapter 121:
The atmosphere in the lab had shifted the moment Harker arrived. It wasn’t outright fear, but Zara noticed the subtle stiffness in the scientists’ postures, the way their eyes flicked toward him warily before quickly returning to their work.
Even Calloway, who didn’t seem intimidated by much, carried a tightness in his shoulders when Harker was around.
And Harker?
He noticed everything and soaked it all up.
The tension in the lab grew thicker with each passing minute. Harker didn’t belong here—that much was clear.
He paced near the central workstation, arms folded, his sharp gaze flicking between the researchers. Every few minutes, he’d direct a question—no, a demand—at Dr. Strauss, Dr. Osei, or Calloway.
And every time, they shut him down.
"I need access to the core data from the last energy readings," Harker said smoothly, turning to Calloway with a smirk.
Calloway didn’t even bother looking up from his notes. "That’s restricted."
Harker’s jaw flexed, but he kept his voice light. "You act like I’m an outsider." He let out a soft chuckle. "I’m part of this operation too, Calloway."
Calloway tapped his pen against the table. "You’re part of your operation. That doesn’t mean you get free rein here."