It was Joseph who took the initiative to speak. “I intend to have Professor Wilcourt from the Central Research Institute lead our project. Sean has also agreed to provide us with financial support; however…”

“What?” Josie looked at him nervously. “As long as it doesn’t involve Audrey, you can set any condition you wish. I will find a way.”

Joseph smiled and waved. “Please don’t worry–I truly value everyone’s contributions. The success of this project is largely thanks to your hard work. Also, since I’m currently interning under Professor Wilcourt, it wouldn’t make sense to hand the project over to someone else.

“However, since the project team has six members, I am unsure if the institute can accommodate everyone. I still need to discuss this with Professor Wilcourt.”

This project is the result of their team’s collective effort, and it is indeed difficult to separate them. Josie looked toward Sean and Claire.

“It’s not a major issue.” Sean nodded to her. “According to established practice, once this project is successfully launched, all members of their team will be incorporated into the group, unless they have other arrangements.”

Josie let out a sigh of relief. “Then, Joseph, could you please discuss with the others first and see if everyone wants to stay?”

“Understood,” Joseph replied promptly. “If there is any news, I will inform Adeline and have her communicate with you.”

Josie nodded in response. The group said their goodbyes. Adeline pulled Josie aside and said, “Thank you for always worrying about this matter. Once everything is settled, we’ll treat you to a meal.”

“Joseph is waiting for you. Go quickly; we can discuss the meal later,” Josie waved at her.

Only after a few people had left did Josie Pearson look at Sean. Before she could express her gratitude, Sean touched her shoulder and said, “When I arrived, Joseph had already refused Deputy Director Kinberg. This matter has little to do with me.”

Upon hearing this, Josie was somewhat pleased; she really hadn’t misjudged Joseph–he was even more responsible and loyal than she had imagined. “We still need to thank Joseph. Didn’t Joseph say that you agreed to invest in them? I think that’s also why he was able to completely stop cooperating with Audrey.”

Sean patted her head and asked, “Why do you dislike Deputy Director Kinberg?”

“It’s not that I dislike her; it’s that she dislikes me. She is Natalie’s mother. I have embarrassed her daughter on several occasions, so she will not let me off easily,” Josie gritted her teeth.

Sean, fully aware, raised his hand and pinched her face. “Understood. Rest assured, I am overseeing this matter. Audrey will not be able to exploit any loopholes. Her daughter being embarrassed is her own lack of ability, not your fault. If she dares to bully you again, bully her back hard. Don’t be afraid–if the sky falls, I will hold it up for you. Do you understand?”

Josie looked somewhat bewildered, staring helplessly at Sean. “Sean, why did you pinch my face?”

And he says things like this that leave me not knowing how to respond? Josie thought.

“Well…” Sean felt a bit flustered. He wondered if Josie focused on the wrong thing. “I wanted to see if you had gained a little weight. As it turns out, you are still too thin–there isn’t even enough flesh on your face to pinch.”

Josie blinked and said earnestly, “If there has been any weight gain, it is all around the waist.”

“Are you saying you want me to pinch your waist?” Sean’s breath deepened as he stepped forward, raised his arm, and pinched his fingers together, eager to give it a try.

Josie realized belatedly. “No… I didn’t, that’s not what I meant. Anyway, I have gained some weight. Next time, you don’t have to pinch my face–you can just ask me!”

“It’s rather pointless to ask you,” Sean smiled cunningly, his deep eyes full of playful intent. “No matter what it is, I always prefer to verify it myself. For example…” He raised his hand, about to pinch Josie’s face again.

Josie was so frightened that she turned and ran away. After running a few steps, she sensed something was amiss, turned back, and nodded at him. “In any case, thank you for your help with Joseph’s matter. Next time, I will treat you to a meal.” After speaking, she turned and ran away.

Claire sighed, and was speechless. She raised her hand and pointed at Sean twice. “You really are something. I’ll get you back later!”

“Claire, don’t scare her,” Sean smiled and said, “Help me keep an eye on her. You wouldn’t want her to be stolen away by someone else, would you?”