Chapter 216
"Initially, I thought I had misunderstood you. You were more talented than I'd imagined, and I'd been considering asking David to help you rejoin the team. However, it now appears that you no longer need such assistance," Aiden said.
Aiden had thought that by setting aside his pride and saying these words, Josie would surely have a change of heart. After all, no matter how tough she sounded, it was impossible that she didn’t want to come back. He had always believed that everything she did was ultimately for the sole purpose of returning to David’s team.
“It’s not that I don’t need it now; I have never needed it, from the beginning till the end,” Josie said, smiling. “Aiden, don’t flatter yourself. I thought I’d made myself very clear. Why couldn’t you guys ever understand plain speech? You and Jaden are both so annoying. Why can’t you guys leave me alone? Are you regretting that I left?” Josie continued.
Aiden, unable to hide his embarrassment after she exposed his intentions, retorted, “Who regrets it? I’m just not as heartless as you. Since we once trained together, I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
“I will not regret it!” Josie said, then took Sean’s hand and left. She was here on serious business and had no time to exchange words with Aiden.
‘Some people are just strange. They had plenty of chances to talk things out before, but just didn’t act like decent people. Now that I don’t want to talk to them anymore, they keep coming over again and again. It’s really annoying!’ Josie thought.
Aiden felt indignant and resentful; he could not understand why Josie remained so stubborn even now.
‘Could it be that she really doesn’t want to come back anymore? Are the Reedshaw family’s medical skills truly as highly regarded as those of David’s? Is she stupid?’ Aiden thought.
“Aiden?” Natalie had been standing nearby the whole time and had more or less heard the entire conversation between him and Josie. She felt both angry and resentful. “Did you just run into Josie? I think I saw her when I came in. I have no idea where she got the invitation. Or does the Reedshaw family really value her that much?” Natalie asked.
Hearing this, Aiden felt a bit uncomfortable. He wondered why the Reedshaw family could care about a country girl? “When did you get here?” he asked.
Natalie pointed behind her and said, “A few minutes ago. My mom introduced me to the director of the research institute. I heard that our project and Jeremy’s will run concurrently, and the institute may not have enough space to accommodate both. My mom is still negotiating with the director about this matter. She said that although our project received a Third Prize, she has confidence in David and your team and doesn’t want your hard work to go to waste.”
Aiden’s expression softened, and he said, “Please convey my gratitude to your mom; she has worked hard these days.”
“It is indeed quite exhausting,” Natalie responded and linked arms with Aiden. “But what can we do? Jeremy just won’t let it go. I heard that their project team is understaffed, and many researchers at the institute are unwilling to join their group. It’s therefore understandable that they’re reluctant to let Josie go, as the project concerns traditional medicine, and it’s difficult to find people. Unlike the popular program under David, which every year sees applicants scrambling desperately to get in,” Natalie said.
Aiden seemed to understand something at this point. ‘No wonder the Reedshaw family appeared to value Josie so highly; it turned out they were worried she might return to David’s team by taking their advice. Like what I’ve said, the Reedshaw family could not possibly truly care about a country girl! From the looks of it, Josie must have been misled by them, which led her to disregard their advice and remain there. No, I must go to her and make everything clear. I can’t let the Reedshaw family deceive her,’ he thought.
Natalie had wanted to downplay Josie’s importance and hoped Aiden wouldn’t take it too seriously. Unexpectedly, her attempt backfired, making Aiden even more eager to persuade Josie to return.
Just as Aiden turned around to look for Josie, a sudden commotion broke out on the second floor.
Josie didn’t expect Lonnard to fall ill so quickly; for a moment, her palms began to sweat with nervousness. However, she knew that this was their opportunity. If they failed to seize it, it was uncertain when the next chance would arise.