Page 213 - The Love Hypothesis

the conference organizers and report Tom. She was never going to see his

face again.
“Quick question. Who do you think Adam will believe, Olive?”
She halted abruptly, just a few feet from the door.

“Some bitch he’s been fucking for about two weeks, or someone who’s
been a close friend for years? Someone who helped him get the most

important grant of his career? Someone who’s had his back since he was
younger than you are? Someone who’s actually a good scientist?”

She spun around, shaking with rage. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I can.” Tom shrugged again. “Because as advantageous as my

collaboration with Adam has been, sometimes it’s a bit annoying how he
needs to be best at everything, and I like the idea of taking something away
from him for once. Because you are very pretty, and I look forward to

spending more time with you next year. Who would have guessed that
Adam had such good taste?”

“You are crazy. If you think that I’ll work in your lab, you are—”
“Oh, Olive. But you will. Because you see—while your work is not

particularly brilliant, it does complement nicely the ongoing projects in my
lab.”

She let out a single, bitter laugh. “Are you really so deluded that you
think I would ever collaborate with you after this?”
“Mmm. It’s more that you don’t have a choice. Because if you want to

finish your project, my lab is your only opportunity. And if you don’t . . .
well. You sent me information on all your protocols, which means that I can

easily replicate them. But don’t worry. Maybe I’ll mention you in the
acknowledgment section.”

She felt the ground flip under her feet. “You wouldn’t,” she whispered.
“It’s research misconduct.”

“Listen, Olive. My friendly advice is: suck it up. Keep Adam happy and
interested as long as possible, and then come to my lab to finally do some
decent work. If you keep me happy, I’ll make sure you can save the world

from pancreatic cancer. Your nice little sob story about your mom or your