POV: Time Variance Authority

At present, all intel regarding the TVA felt like an unsolvable puzzle. The only tangible piece Elias had seen was the invitation Ms. Harrington received—a mere glimpse of the envelope itself.

Now, stumbling upon Chase Rivers in such an unlikely place left Elias feeling like an ant flailing in a dark vortex.

"For now, I'll just watch from a distance to see what he's up to," Elias decided, blending into the crowd near the university gates.

Plenty of students were hanging around, but, oddly enough, none seemed terribly fazed by the three black luxury cars or Rivers's arrival; they looked at ease, as if this was nothing out of the ordinary.

"Once again he's come personally to drop off his daughter," one student remarked. "Their father-daughter thing must be heartfelt."

"Why doesn't he just drive onto campus? With his status, the security guards wouldn't dare stop him."

"She probably insists he not do that. He's unbelievably doting, but she's no spoiled brat, so I guess they compromised."

"Must be a headache having such a clingy dad, even if he is a top-tier billionaire."

"It's not just your typical 'domineering CEO.' Here, nobody outranks him—except for his daughter, apparently. She's the only one who can keep him in line."

Elias listened, ears pricked.

So it seemed he'd been mistaken: Rivers wasn't here to see Professor West after all, but to drop his daughter off at college. Elias knew from prior gossip that Rivers was famously doting toward his only child, a so-called "princess." Ms. Harrington had mentioned as much at the fundraiser, rolling her eyes about Rivers's fatherly indulgence.

But beyond that tidbit, Elias had never looked into her. He had no reason to. From the hushed talk around them, this "princess" had enrolled in September as a first-year university student, apparently well-liked for her modest, friendly demeanor. In fact, no one even realized she was Rivers's daughter until after orientation, when he began picking her up with a conspicuously large security entourage.

Curious about the girl, Elias took a few steps to the side for a better vantage. He watched Rivers—who ordinarily was proud and imposing—put on a warm smile, stepping around his Maybach to open the right-side door himself. He gestured inside, frowning slightly as if to hurry whoever was there, but the spoiling love on his face was impossible to conceal.

"So the rumors are true—he's a complete softie for his daughter," Elias thought with an amused shake of his head. "Even the rumors might not do it justice."

Rivers was known as New York's ultimate authority figure, dominating both the legitimate and hidden sides of society. None dared cross him; his arrogance was legendary. But now, faced with his beloved daughter, he was all gentle smiles, leaning in and fussing as if worried she might bump her head on the car frame.

Finally, the passenger stepped into view. Rivers carefully retrieved a backpack from inside, slinging it over his arm. Then, with a fatherly grin, he backed away.

A high ponytail bounced out first—thick, glossy hair tied high, brushing the door frame in vibrant arcs. A red cashmere scarf lay snug around her neck, and she wore a long white coat. From the vantage point behind the Maybach, Elias couldn't see her lower half, but the outfit as a whole looked simple, reminiscent of any typical first-year girl's style. No gaudy brand names or flashy details.

"Low-profile indeed," Elias mused. "Not at all the clichéd, spoiled princess of some drama. She's just an ordinary freshman with an influential dad. Good for her."

The girl's back remained toward him, so her face stayed hidden, but she gave off an air of warmth rather than an aura of privilege. She waved goodbye to her father, then jogged off through the campus gates, her ponytail bobbing hypnotically with each step until she disappeared beyond the security booth.

As soon as she vanished, Rivers's kindly smile evaporated. His face snapped back to its usual stern expression. With a curt wave to his security detail, the trio of black vehicles roared off, the formation of two SUVs bracketing the Maybach.

All around, murmurs among the gathered students got louder:

some teased about the next lucky guy who dated the "princess" would be set for life, while others joked half-heartedly about "who dares try." For all the humor, no one dared speak too brashly. Everyone sensed Rivers's invisible presence looming.

"Show's over," Elias concluded. "Back to business."

He clutched the folder of cryonics notes and followed the flow of students into the university. With Rivers apparently just dropping off his daughter, Elias felt relieved—whatever connection Rivers might have to the TVA was a separate matter for another day.

Right now, his priority was to deliver the gleaned cryonics materials to West—the step in forging a new future and altering his dream's reality.

He borrowed a campus bike—painted bright yellow for general student use—and pedaled across campus to the science lab building. Asking a security guard, he found West's lab on the second floor.

Through a window, Elias caught sight of that same scruffy man, stooped over a microscope, wearing the same worn lab coat and thick spectacles as before, entirely absorbed in his work.

Taking a deep breath, Elias advanced to the half-open lab door and knocked softly with his knuckles.

Knock, knock.