Chapter 26

I stood off to the side and watched coldly without a hint of expression. Samuel turned toward me and gave me a provocative smile. "Dr. Ranford, it's been a while." "Do you two know each other?" Dr. Crowell looked surprised. Samuel nodded. "The last time we met, Dr. Ranford was my senior. Who would've thought that now, I'd be the one taking over his position? What a coincidence." Dr. Crowell laughed heartily. "The new generation always surpasses the old. Dr. Ranford is certainly rule-abiding, but sometimes he can be a bit too rigid—unlike you, Dr. Huxley." Even as Dr. Crowell openly mocked me in front of others and compared me unfavorably to Samuel, I didn't show any reaction. After all, I had seen this kind of scene play out before, years ago. Back then, I knew one day I would face this, too. Then, like now, my choices had not changed. "Dr. Ranford, I look forward to working with you." Samuel extended his hand with a smile so fake it practically dripped off his face. I w