Lyra maintained her calm composure as the shocked silence engulfed their circle. Silas's accidental revelation hung in the air like a thunderclap.
"What did you just say?" Isabelle finally broke the silence, her voice shrill with disbelief.
Silas winced, realizing his mistake. His eyes darted nervously to Lyra, who gave him the slightest nod of permission.
"I said," Silas repeated more confidently, "Dr. Payne, did you accept Orla as your graduate student?"
Isabelle's jaw dropped open. Her gaze bounced between Silas and Lyra before she burst into mocking laughter.
"Oh my God," she wheezed, clutching her side. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Lyra Moreau is Dr. Payne? The Dr. Payne? The brilliant physicist whose work is revolutionizing the energy sector?"
Several classmates joined in her laughter. One man snorted his drink through his nose.
