Owen Barrett's question hung in the air like a physical presence. The entire R&D department held their breath, staring at Lyra with wide eyes and slack jaws. Even the usual hum of equipment seemed to have gone quiet in anticipation of her answer.
Dorian stepped slightly forward, a small smile playing at his lips. "I can confirm that Ms. Moreau is indeed the Dr. Payne."
A collective gasp swept through the room. Someone dropped a coffee mug, the crash barely registering amid the shock.
Lyra took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "Yes, I am Dr. Payne."
For a moment, nobody moved. Then, pandemonium erupted. Researchers jumped from their chairs, interns squealed, and Owen looked like he might faint.
"I knew it!" Owen exclaimed, though his expression clearly showed he'd had no idea. "I mean, I suspected—the way you understood the formulas—your insights—"
"You've been working alongside us this whole time?" another researcher asked, awe evident in her voice.
