Chapter 13: Dr. Irving

As the departing staff loaded onto the train and the remaining family members dispersed, Conor caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd—a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair and a thoughtful expression.

It was Dr. Miles Irving, one of the key engineers from Dragon Corporation’s R&D department. Conor had been particularly interested to see his picture come up in the folder of laid off staff, knowing just how crucial his expertise would be to ongoing research at Dragon Corporation.

The fact Kelan had let him go showed that their understanding of his incompetence was likely spot on.

“Dr. Irving,” Conor called out, “Over here!”

“Peter?,” Miles greeted him with a handshake, his grip firm but his eyes betraying the stress of the past few days. “I have to admit, when I got that call from your people, I was surprised. But grateful. I didn’t think I’d find another opportunity so quickly after… well, you know.”

Conor nodded, understanding the unspoken frustration. “I am Conor, not Pet