Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne didn't beat around the bush. "Carlson, did you check out Lab C122?"

"C122?" Carlson paused, clearly caught off guard.

Roseanne continued, "I've looked into your current project, and it doesn't seem like you need the CPRT Analyzer."

Carlson looked down for a moment, his initial surprise fading, replaced by calmness.

When he looked up again, any sign of confusion had vanished, leaving a serene expression. "Yeah, I checked it out."

Roseanne exchanged a glance with Scales.

"I needed it, so I took it. Is there a problem?"

Roseanne pressed, "Then why have I passed by several times and never seen you using it?"

Carlson replied, "I don't use it often, but I do need it occasionally."

This response made Mamie swallow back her ready accusation "You're hoarding resources maliciously." After all, he was using it, so they couldn't really accuse him of anything. Resources at the college were meant to be shared, first-come-first-served, and they couldn't fault him on that.

asked, "So, how long

answered, "I'm

it at that for now," Roseanne said calmly, nodding at him

watched them leave, his expression not one

went back to the lab to finish up his work before changing his clothes and

ajar, and as he approached, he

for the

It was Sybil Moore.

scholarship, which, though not as high as the national one, won't draw much attention. You're new here and already making waves;

is leagues below the national one... And why should

published papers, shown academic achievement, and his grades are top-notch. What about you?"

scoffed, "Do I really need to spell out

backed down, moving closer in a coaxing

our family

give you bragging rights."

but let's not push it this year. Next year, you'll be our top priority." "Thank

with the auntie talk; it's

I only say it when we're