At the airport.
Jolie's mentor and the old team members from previous projects greeted Jolie warmly.
"Welcome back, Jolie."
"Thank you, Professor Evans."
Jolie took her plane ticket from her mentor and was about to wheel her suitcase toward the check-in counter when someone reached out and grabbed it.
"I got this."
She turned and saw Greyson Evans, curiosity sparking. "You? You're coming too?"
"Didn't you know? Greyson's following in his father's footsteps. He's part of this project as well."
"Oh really?"
Jolie raised an eyebrow, glancing at the man beside her.
She had known Greyson since she was little. Handsome, high-profile, always the center of attention.
Brilliant in every way… except mischievous. He had been scolded by his father countless times.
Yet now, he was calm, heading to a three-year closed lab project with them. She could hardly believe it.
"What? Don't tell me you don't recognize me after five years."
Greyson smirked, dragging his suitcase toward the counter.
Jolie smiled at his retreating back and quickened her pace to catch up."
On the plane, Jolie's seat was next to Greyson.
Outside the window, clouds spread like a soft white blanket. The engine hummed steadily.
Feeling a chill, she was about to ask a flight attendant for a blanket when the man beside her pulled one from his bag and draped it over her lap.
"Here, use this."
His tone was gentle but commanding, with no room for refusal.
Jolie couldn't help but be surprised. She hadn't expected him to be this considerate.
Before she could thank him, he adjusted the overhead vent, angling the air away from her.
"You still seem as delicate as before. Are you sure you're ready for this project?"
A teasing smile curved Greyson's lips. Jolie retorted with a smirk, "I never thought someone who used to barely sit still would now be heading into a full-blown research project with me."
"Do you know why I'm going?"
His obsidian eyes sparkled like stars.
His gaze was intense, and Jolie couldn't help but feel her cheeks warm.
She looked away, embarrassed. "How would I know? Surely there isn't someone you like in the team, right?"
"Bingo."
"Really?"
Jolie's curiosity got the better of her. "Who? Can you tell me?"
"Curious much? Take a nap. We'll need our energy once we land and start reviewing project materials."
He leaned back, closing his eyes.
Jolie glanced at the blanket over her legs and the man beside her. Warmth blossomed in her chest.
After ten hours in the air, they reached their destination. Before entering, Jolie's mentor, Axton Evans, collected every phone.
"These phones will be returned to you in three years, exactly as they are now. I hope our project will succeed and make a global impact!"
Jolie turned off her phone and placed it in the box.
This time, she was ready to devote herself fully to her career.
