Nathan’s expression turned grave.


    “No one saw him leave theb during work hours.


    He must still be inside.


    ”


    He rapped on the door with increasing intensity, his knuckles tapping twice more.


    Before long, a gruff, weathered voice issued from the other side, tinged with impatience.


    “Knock, knock.


    All you know is how to knock.


    What’s the point of all this knocking if you are not going to say why you are here? Your mouth isn’t just for eating!”


    Outside the door, Aldric felt a flush of embarrassment.


    They were scolded even before stepping foot into the room.


    Standing before Nathan, Aldric cleared his throat and assumed a more authoritative tone.


    “I’m Dr.


    Yusuf, and I have something pressing to discuss with you face to face.


    Can you please open the door?”


    A tense quiet filled the room momentarily, broken only by the distinct click of the lock being turned.


    As the office door swung open, Eugene’s expression soured, his eyes heavy with sleepiness.


    He snapped impatiently, “Aldric, you better say something when you knock on the door next time.


    Otherwise, don’t expect me to open the door.


    You have a mouth, so use it.


    Don’t waste resources.


    ”


    Despite being scolded, Aldric, being the junior, opted not to respond.


    He understood Eugene’s temper and saw no benefit in arguing.


    However, Nathan didn’t hold back.


    “You are sleeping during work hours in one of Cadiered’s top advancedboratories, Eugene?”


    Eugene squinted at Nathan, giving him a thorough once-over.


    After a brief silence, he retorted unhappily, “I went out of my way to open the door for you, and this is how you repay me? If you think I’m cking off during work hours, feel free to anonymously report me.


    ”


    Nathan quickly rified, “That’s not what I meant.


    I’m justining, mirroring your actions.


    ”


    Eugene couldn’t resist stealing a few more nces at Nathan before speaking.


    “I recognize you.


    You bear a striking resemnce to the child in theb ward afflicted with the S404 Virus.


    Let me guess.


    You are his…”


    He deliberately paused, and then concluded bluntly, “Grandfather, am I right?”


    “Ha-ha…” Aldric couldn’t contain his amusement and let out a heartyugh.


    Was Eugene unintentionally insinuating that the dashing Mr.


    Payne appeared older than his years?Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Aldric found himself utterly astonished.


    Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine witnessing the esteemed Mr.


    Payne, revered and honored by all, being reprimanded by a peculiar old man like this.


    It was really interesting.


    Nathan fell into a heavy silence, his gaze growing somber.


    He seemed reluctant to delve further into the matter.


    “I’m Colby’s father.


    I havee to speak with you today because of him…”


    In a short minute, Nathan provided Eugene with a concise overview of the matter concerning the book, “Pathological Psychology.


    ”


    Eugene ran a hand over his beard thoughtfully before motioning toward the sofa.


    “Please have a seat.


    ”


    His office was aplete disaster.


    The sofa was piled high with dirty clothes, scattered newspapers, half-read books, and even some stale, outdated biscuits.


    With his hands casually tucked in his pockets, Nathan preferred to stand rather than sit.