31: New Faces and Underlying Doubts**

Joe's instincts were always sharp, honed by years in the special forces. So when Dr. Clara Hughes appeared seemingly out of nowhere, right at a critical juncture for Project Lazarus, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion. To clear the air, he decided to act.

"Hey, Ethan," Joe called out, catching Ethan as he passed through the lab.

Ethan paused, his thoughts still lingering on the trials. "What's up, Joe?"

Joe lowered his voice, ensuring no one else could hear. "This new doctor, Clara Hughes. Something feels off about her sudden appearance. I'm going to have a buddy of mine run a background check, just to be safe."

Ethan raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Alright, Joe. I trust your instincts. Keep me posted."

As Joe walked away, he pulled out his phone and dialed his old friend from the special forces. "Hey, Mike, I need a favor. Can you dig into a Dr. Clara Hughes for me? She just started working with us, and something feels off."

Mike's response was swift. "You got it, Joe. I'll get back to you as soon as I have something."

Meanwhile, Ethan found himself thinking about Clara more often than he should. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her personality that truly captivated him. She was intelligent, charming, and seemed genuinely passionate about their work. It had been a while since anyone had made him feel this way, and he couldn't help but let his guard down around her.

The second phase of the clinical trials was progressing smoothly, a stark contrast to the chaos that had marked the earlier stages. The results were promising, with patients responding positively and showing significant improvements. The core team members couldn't hide their smiles, a sense of accomplishment settling over them.

Dr. Wright, always meticulous, had been kept updated on the progress. Today, she was in the lab, reviewing the latest data with a keen eye. "This is excellent work, everyone," she said, her voice carrying a rare note of approval. "If we continue at this pace, we'll be ready for the next stage sooner than expected."

Anya beamed, the tension of the past weeks easing. "It feels good to see our hard work paying off."

Ethan nodded in agreement, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Clara again. He shook his head, refocusing on the task at hand. "Let's keep it up. We're making real progress here."

While the lab buzzed with optimism, Edgar Vance was a world away, stewing in his own bitterness. The failed attempt on Ethan's lab and facilities had left him seething. Pacing his prison cell, he replayed the events over and over in his mind, each time feeling the sting of defeat.

Eric's call had only added fuel to the fire. "How could you let this happen?" Vance had yelled, his voice echoing through the prison. "You promised me results!"

Eric had tried to explain, but Vance was beyond reason. "I don't want your excuses, Eric. I want results! Find another way to take them down, or it's your head."

Vance slammed the phone down, his anger simmering. He was not a man accustomed to failure, and he would not tolerate it now. He would find a way to crush Ethan and his team, no matter the cost.

Back at the lab, Joe's phone buzzed with a message from Mike. He stepped outside to take the call. "What did you find, Mike?"

"There's nothing overtly suspicious in her records," Mike began, "but there are some gaps in her employment history that don't add up. It's worth keeping an eye on her."

Joe thanked him and hung up, his suspicions not entirely alleviated. He knew Ethan was infatuated, and that could be dangerous. He'd have to tread carefully, ensuring that the team remained safe without causing unnecessary alarm.

As the day drew to a close, the team gathered for a debrief. Ethan's mood was buoyant, but Joe couldn't shake the unease that lingered. He watched as Ethan and Clara chatted animatedly, the connection between them clear.

"Stay vigilant," Joe muttered to himself. He'd protect the team, no matter what. And if Clara Hughes turned out to be a threat, he'd be ready to act. For now, he'd keep his guard up and ensure that nothing compromised the integrity and safety of Project Lazarus.