Chapter 6

Strangely enough, the moment Annie finished speaking and caught sight of Lisa, the Pomeranian started barking again.

Annie carefully picked it up, lowered her gaze, and said meekly, “I’ll take Coco outside first.”

She quickly carried the dog out to the yard, then came back in.

By then, Lisa had already taken her seat.

Luther tried to smooth things over. “Coco’s not familiar with Lisa yet. Give it a few days and it’ll stop barking.”

Jane added, “Isn’t it strange? It doesn’t snap at anyone else. Just her.”

Nick chimed in too. “Yeah, Coco’s usually really well-behaved.”

Annie glanced at Lisa before speaking again. “I’ve heard that dogs are actually very sensitive. They can tell who means well and who doesn’t. Lisa, don’t dislike Coco, okay? It’s really a good dog.”

Lisa hadn’t planned on arguing. But hearing that, she wasn’t about to swallow it.

“The first time I met it, I didn’t do anything. It was the one that tried to bite me. If anything, shouldn’t I be blaming its owner for not training it properly?”

Annie’s eyes reddened immediately. “But Coco has never bitten anyone before. It’s always been so well-behaved…”

Lisa didn’t let it go. “There are security cameras in the yard. Whether it attacked me or not is easy enough to check—”

“Enough.”

Before she could finish, Mark cut in.

His cool gaze swept over her, displeasure clear in his eyes. “Eat.”

Once Mark spoke, no one dared say another word.

The only one left swallowing her frustration was Lisa.

She had no appetite at all. She stood up quickly. “Take your time. I’m leaving.”

Mark’s fingers tightened around his fork.

A few minutes later, he stood up as well. “Enjoy.”

Annie jumped to her feet too. “I’m worried about Coco. I’ll go check on it.”

When Mark drove out, he saw Annie standing by the gate, holding Coco, her eyes red.

He rolled down the window. “Take good care of it. Don’t worry. No one will hurt it.”

Annie nodded obediently. “I know. I’ll look after it. Drive safely, okay?”

After Mark left, Annie slowly ran her hand through the dog’s fur and smiled softly.

—

Lisa went to the research institute first, finished the work she had on hand, then went to her team lead to ask for leave.

She had already messaged Mrs. Jefferson the night before and confirmed that her mentor had no classes today and would be home all morning.

She wanted to visit.

Mrs. Jefferson was delighted and invited her to stay for lunch.

Harbour University was one of the country’s top institutions. In recent years, its physics and chemistry departments had developed rapidly, standing out among its peers.

Lisa bought a box of cherries and a box of mangoes—both were Mrs. Jefferson’s favorites.

Downstairs, she slung her bag across her body and bent down to lift the two boxes from the trunk.

The weight suddenly lightened.

She looked up and saw a familiar face.

“Let me help you.”

The man stood there, sunlight falling over him, softening his outline. Tall and upright, calm and refined.

Travis Spencer was an exceptional man—handsome, gentle, and modest. The black cashmere coat he wore only added to his quiet elegance. He had been one year ahead of her under Professor Jefferson, her senior in the same research program.

“…Travis,” Lisa greeted him, then reached for the box in his hands. “I’ll carry one.”

“No need.” He shifted aside to avoid her. “Come on. Professor and Mrs. Jefferson are waiting.”

“You knew I was coming today?”

“Mrs. Jefferson called me last night.” Travis lowered his gaze to her, his lashes hiding much of what he felt. “She asked me to come talk to you.”

Lisa didn’t say anything.

After she finished her master’s and left campus, she’d been afraid to face her mentor. She hadn’t even dared see Travis again.

Seeing her stay silent, Travis spoke. “Don’t overthink it. I’m just… treating you as my junior now.”

Lisa looked up at him. Her eyes were clear, steady.

Travis turned his face away. “What, just because we couldn’t be together as lovers, I’m not even allowed to call you my junior?”

Lisa’s nose stung. “Travis… I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing to me for?” Travis smiled gently. “Don’t cry. If Mrs. Jefferson sees, she’ll scold me.”

Back then, Lisa had turned him down. After that, she got married and cut off contact.

Seeing him again now—open, calm, at ease—made her relax too.

They stepped into Professor Jefferson’s home, where Mrs. Jefferson greeted them warmly. “If you were coming, you didn’t need to bring gifts.”

Professor Jefferson was a true scholar—serious, appreciative of talent, and a little old-fashioned. He had guided Lisa for three years and knew how gifted she was. He’d hoped she would continue her studies and pursue a PhD. He never expected her to choose marriage instead.

Now that she was back, it felt like things had come full circle.

The meal was lively. When it was time to leave, Professor Jefferson handed Lisa several books and told her to read them carefully.

Travis walked her downstairs. When they reached the entrance, he finally spoke.

“Can you unblock me now?”

Lisa flushed, embarrassed. “Travis… back then…”

“Don’t.” Travis gave a soft laugh. “I don’t blame you. That’s all in the past. I’ve got someone I like now.”

Lisa’s eyes lit up instantly. “You do?”

He looked at her clear, bright eyes and nodded. “Yeah. I do.”

Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and tapped a few times. “Then good luck, Travis. I hope I get to meet her soon.”

Travis reached out as if to ruffle her hair, then stopped himself halfway and pulled his hand back. “I will, Lili. I’ll do my best.”

Lili was her childhood nickname. Hardly anyone knew it.

“Okay!” She was genuinely relaxed now, smiling wide. “I won’t block you again.”

He watched her car drive off before lowering his gaze. Then he took out his phone and made a call.

“I’ve transferred the money. Check it when you can.”

—

After they parted ways, Lisa returned to the institute in a noticeably better mood.

That afternoon, Jennie came by. Seeing the glow on her face, she asked, “You went to campus? How did it go?”

Lisa nodded. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ve already registered. Professor Jefferson gave me some books, and I ran into Travis.”

“Travis?” Jennie blinked. “You mean Travis Spencer?”

“Yeah.” Lisa smiled. “Haven’t seen him in ages.”

Jennie leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Does he… still like you? Was it awkward?”

Lisa quickly shook her head. “What are you thinking? He likes someone now.”

Jennie visibly relaxed. “Good. Good.”

As the workday neared its end, the thought of going back to the Powell estate—of seeing Annie, of sharing a bed with Mark again—made Lisa take out the books Professor Jefferson had given her and bury herself in studying.

She lost track of time. It wasn’t until her stomach growled that she realized it was already past eight.

Just as she stood up, her phone buzzed.

It was Travis. He’d sent several documents—materials related to the doctoral application.

Lisa replied with a grateful emoji.

He responded: Even though the professor wants you, you still have to go through the process. There are only two spots. You’ll have to earn it fair and square.

Lisa typed back: I will. Thank you, Travis.

She slipped her phone into her bag, drove out, and headed to the Powell estate.

—

The villa was filled with laughter.

Luther was saying, “It’s nice having Annie here. The house has been so much livelier since she moved in. Even Mark comes back every day now. That’s wonderful.”

Jane added proudly, “I chose the right daughter-in-law. Annie, once Nick’s done with this busy stretch, have him take you on a trip.”

Annie smiled sweetly. “Auntie, I’m already so happy staying home with you all. And Brother Mark treats me like family.”

The Pomeranian lay obediently at her feet.

Mark’s gaze flicked toward the entryway, then back again. He gave a quiet hum in acknowledgment.

Annie glanced at the clock. “It’s this late already. Why isn’t Lisa back yet? Is she busier than Mark now?”

The moment she finished speaking, the Pomeranian sprang to its feet and dashed toward the foyer, its tiny legs scrambling as it barked sharply.

The next second, the door opened.

Lisa stepped inside.

The dog looked up at her and started barking again—small but fierce.

Lisa frowned and glanced toward the living room.

The whole family sat there, watching.

Annie hurried over and scooped the dog into her arms. “Lisa, I’m so sorry. I really don’t know why it doesn’t like you.”

Lisa slipped into her house slippers and said calmly, “It’s fine. I don’t know either. Maybe pets take after their owners.”

Annie’s expression changed instantly. Her eyes reddened. “Lisa… what do you mean by that?”