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 do

"I'm not

that for now," Roseanne said calmly, nodding at him before signaling

watched them leave, his expression not one of triumph but

up his work before changing

and as he approached,

for

It was Sybil Moore.

a college scholarship, which, though not as high as the national one, won't draw much attention. You're

is leagues below the

are top-notch. What about you?" Edna was clearly losing patience. Sybil

to spell out

closer in a coaxing manner, "Auntie Edna, don't

our

give you bragging rights."

push it this year.

careful with the auntie talk; it's not good for your

know, I only say