If she hadn’t left the country back then and then returned with a child, and if Dolores hadn’t gotten into that car accident that left her paralyzed, David would’ve married Audrey long ago.

All these years, he never married, partly because of the Reedshaw family, and partly because of Audrey.

David thought, "How could a child born to someone like Audrey possibly be anything but outstanding? Natalie is sure to be just like Audrey—brilliant, bold, and born to shine.

"She is destined to follow in Audrey’s footsteps, join the top research centers, and become a rising star in the medical world. How could I ever stand in the way of her future?

"I should be doing everything I could to clear the path for her. I will never let anyone beat her by playing dirty!"

David said, his voice a little shaky, "Audrey, I’m sorry, but I can’t really accept your thanks. I wasn’t able to do what you asked.

"After the school’s investigation, it turns out Delilah didn’t break any rules. And I even tested Josie’s abilities in front of everyone.

"I might have misjudged her before. She’s not as bad as we thought. Her paper was actually quite impressive.

"That paper published in the top medical journal really was her own work. She actually does have some real talent."

There was a brief silence on the other end. Just as David thought Audrey might be upset and was about to explain further, Audrey’s gentle laughter came through the phone.

She said, "That’s actually a good thing. It just goes to show that you truly are an excellent teacher, David.

"Every one of your students turns out outstanding. Even the weakest among them still has some genuine ability.

"It’s just a pity that, at such a critical moment, she would choose to leave you. I wonder if she’ll come to regret that decision someday."

David felt a little better. As always, Audrey didn’t disappoint. She was reasonable, understanding, and genuinely considerate.

He said, "As a teacher, I’ve done my duty. If she chooses to leave, I can’t make her stay.

"Whether she regrets it or not, that’s up to her. She’ll have to live with the consequences of her own decisions."

Audrey said gently, "You’re right.

"If possible, I hope Natalie could become friends with her. I haven’t met that girl, but if Delilah values her, and you say she truly has real talent, then she must be quite capable."

David let out a dismissive snort.

He said, "She’s just a sharp-tongued girl who’ll do anything to claw her way up, always scheming and stirring up drama.

"With Natalie’s background and status, she really doesn’t need to associate with someone like that."

Audrey said, "You really think too highly of Natalie, but I’ll take your advice. I won’t bring up the idea of her making friends with Josie.

"She’s my only daughter, and she means the world to me. I’ll have to trouble you with her school matters from now on, David. I…"

David let out a heavy sigh. There was just no way he could ever say no to Audrey when she acted like this.

He felt that she had a poise and warmth that put Dolores to shame, outshining her by miles.

"You have my word. I’ll look after Natalie, whether it’s in her studies or her daily life. I won’t let anyone make her suffer," he promised.

After hanging up, David finally relaxed. Josie had caught him off guard before, but that was only because she was in his team.

Now that she was on her own, making a name for herself wouldn’t be so easy anymore.

He didn’t believe that the obscure field Delilah specialized in could ever surpass his.

David felt that they were doomed from the start. Thinking Josie could help them make a comeback was just pure fantasy.

As for Natalie, she was the one who beat Josie and stayed. He was determined to see her rise straight to the very top and make sure Josie would live to regret the choice she made today.

Aiden was standing outside the door, originally planning to go in and ask David what was really going on earlier.

But when he saw David on the phone, he just waited outside for a while until the call was over.

What really caught him off guard was overhearing David admit that Josie actually had some real skills.

Aiden had never really given Josie’s abilities a second thought. He just didn’t buy that she was impressive. He figured he’d go ask Vincent and Gavin what they thought.

That way, he felt that David could finally see for himself whether Josie actually had any genuine ability or not.