The Viral Heist
Chapter 1: A Routine Check-Up Dr. Evelyn Carter's laboratory was an organized chaos, a sanctuary for a scientist who thrived on precision amid disorder. Her desk, cluttered with coffee cups and experimental notes, was a testament to late nights and relentless curiosity. Evelyn was a rising star in microbiology, a field she pursued with fervor and an edge of sarcastic wit that often caught her colleagues off guard. "You know," she muttered to herself as she pipetted a bright red solution into a test tube, "if I had a dollar for every time someone asked if I could ‘cure’ a virus, I’d have enough to buy a vacation to somewhere without petri dishes." Her assistant, Mark, peered over the edge of a microscope, adjusting the focus. “Dr. Carter, I don’t think the concept of ‘vacation’ exists in your world anymore.” “True,” Evelyn replied dryly. “But a girl can dream.” Mark’s laugh was cut short by the urgent ring of Evelyn’s phone. She answered, her face tightening into...