Owen stared at Lyra for a moment before bursting into laughter. His shoulders shook as he wiped an imaginary tear from his eye.
"That's a good one, Lyra," he said, still chuckling. "You? Dr. Payne? The scientific genius that has the entire energy sector buzzing?"
Lyra remained silent, her face impassive. She'd expected this reaction—disbelief, dismissal. It was the story of her life.
"Come on," Owen continued, his laughter finally subsiding. "I know you're smart, but Dr. Payne is practically a legend. The research is revolutionary."
Percival stepped closer to Lyra, his presence solid and protective at her side. His jaw tightened as he watched his cousin mock his wife.
"Owen," Percival said, his voice carrying a warning edge. "You might want to reconsider your tone."
