Chapter 196

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Reflecting on her current situation, Audrey stopped slapping her. Having failed to secure the Grand Prize in her previous project, she had already lost her standing within the institute.

At that time, she could only secure the Third Prize project. Achieving accomplishments would indeed require additional research talent.

Meanwhile, Kyle was an original member of David’s team. If she wanted to recruit him into the group, that would be great. However, she had doubts, especially recalling what David had said.

“How can you prove that Kyle is capable and didn’t get into Professor Lawson’s team by bluffing?” Audrey collapsed onto the sofa.

Natalie wiped the corner of her eye, stepped forward, and tugged at Audrey’s sleeve.

“It’s pretty straightforward. Once he joins, you can assign him additional research tasks. If he proves competent, he should deliver his performance. You can judge him yourself.”

“Hmm…” Audrey thought to herself. Since the person had already come in, there was nothing else she could do. “I will thoroughly assess him. If he truly proves capable, you can be considered to have done at least one thing right. Otherwise, I won’t let you off.”

Audrey stood up and shot Natalie a quick look. “Go take care of your injuries. There’s an event in a couple of days, and you’re coming with me.”

“Understood.” Natalie lowered her head slightly, her hatred reaching its peak. Since childhood, she had never been Audrey’s daughter. Instead, she was a tool for Audrey to achieve her own success.

When Audrey was in a good mood, she would offer a few words of comfort, but when she was displeased, she would slap and whip her fiercely. To avoid being beaten, Natalie learned from an early age that she must strive to become someone who could bring honor to Audrey.

Fortunately, she was smart enough to achieve many academic achievements. Since entering university, she had not been subjected to Audrey’s beatings for many years, until she encountered Josie.

Time and again, Josie disrupted her plans, subjected her to utter humiliation, and left her body covered in wounds from repeated beatings. Josie, just wait, I’ll return the lashes I suffered today without mercy!

Natalie returned to her room, but before she could tend to her wounds, she received a call from Kyle. “I have completed the onboarding process and would like to invite you to dinner.” Kyle’s voice was somewhat relieved. “I will return to my hometown tomorrow. The research institute told me that I can start working after the New Year holiday.”

Natalie had not intended to go out. However, when she thought of the injuries all over her body, she could not reconcile herself with it. “Okay, send me the address. I’ll be there soon.”

When Josie left the laboratory, it was already 7:00 p.m. She stretched her neck, packed her bag, and considered what she might eat.

Chapter 196 20 vouchers

“I’ve made a reservation at the restaurant. Let’s go eat together!” Sean came over to help her tidy up. “My aunt said that since everyone is here today, we should have a gathering.”

“Alright.” Josie agreed immediately. After all, she no longer needed to consider what to eat.

She only learned that Ian and the others were present after entering the laboratory. At first, their experiment was scheduled to take place at the research institute’s laboratory. However, after hearing it was unavailable, the research was relocated to the Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital.

The equipment at Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital was not as advanced as that of the research institute. During her first experiment, Josie immediately recognized this issue. She needed to discuss it with several senior students and Jeremy. Otherwise, the research progress would be compromised if this situation continued over an extended period.

The restaurant Sean selected was not far from the research institute. He chose that place so that Jeremy could come over later, as he had a meeting at his workplace.

As they entered the restaurant, they encountered a group of people. To their surprise, it was Aiden and his companions. When they saw Josie, they were also surprised, and their steps faltered briefly.

“Josie?” Aiden’s gaze swept across Josie’s face. The young girl seemed even more attractive than before. It was only when he saw Sean walking at her side that he could not help but frown.

“Everyone at school is already on holiday. Why haven’t you gone home yet?” Aiden asked.