Professor Avery's gaze swept across the room, landing on Lyra. A warm smile spread across his weathered face as he strode forward, parting the crowd with his presence alone.
"Ah, I see my esteemed colleague has finally been discovered," he said, his voice carrying through the hushed room.
Isabelle's smirk froze on her face. "Professor, surely you're not suggesting that—"
"That Dr. Lyra Moreau is indeed the brilliant Dr. Payne who has revolutionized our understanding of molecular energy transfer?" Professor Avery finished for her. "That is precisely what I'm confirming."
The silence that followed was absolute. Every eye in the room fixed on Lyra, who maintained her composed demeanor despite being the center of attention.
Isabelle shook her head. "This has to be some kind of joke."
