Chapter 254

55 vouchers

“That’s good.” Jaden’s expression visibly darkened. “I’m leaving now. I need to go home.”

Then, he turned and got into his car. He had driven himself and had no intention of giving Vincent a ride.

Vincent felt a cold wind pass by, accompanied by a deep chill that made him recognize the true warmth and indifference within human nature.

Fortunately, not everyone in the team was like Jaden. At least Natalie, who was willing to help him organize materials, genuinely cared about him.

Only after Jaden’s car drove away did Vincent turn and walk in the opposite direction.

After walking only a short distance, Vincent encountered Kyle, who was walking to work.

Vincent paused in surprise momentarily and said, “Kyle, why are you here?”

“I’m working at the research institute,” said Kyle, smiling. “I saw you this morning. Since there were many of you getting off the machines, I was too embarrassed to come over and say hi. Why are you alone? Where’s Jaden?”

Kyle had actually seen the car that Jaden drove away.

Vincent appeared somewhat embarrassed. “He left. His route doesn’t pass by my destination. I need to go back to school.”

“Then, you should hurry back. I need to get to work as well.” Kyle adjusted his collar and walked briskly toward the research institute.

Vincent slightly furrowed his brows. “Vincent…”

He had intended to ask Kyle whether he would return to school, but after some thought, he ultimately chose not to ask.

Josie was no longer the compliant junior who used to do whatever they said. It was unlikely that she would forgive Kyle now.

She still could not forget that incident, even though an entire winter break had passed. Moreover, the school had long since issued an official notice expelling Kyle.

Even if Kyle had not yet completed the withdrawal procedure, he wouldn’t return to school.

Kyle, seeing Vincent had nothing to say, quickly left.

As a newcomer, Kyle was typically the first to arrive at the institute each day. However, as he passed by Audrey’s office, he was surprised to find that she was already there.

He paused, turned around to prepare coffee for Audrey, and brought it into her office. “Director Kinberg, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Would you like me to pack a meal for you from the cafeteria?”

Audrey looked up and, seeing the man before her clearly, found him somewhat familiar. “Who are you?” she asked.

She did not remember Kyle at all.

Kyle did not become upset. After all, Audrey was Natalie’s mother. If he wished to remain stable at the research institute, he needed the support of both Audrey and Natalie.

“I’m a new researcher this year. My name is Kyle Langton, and my office is behind yours. Call me anytime if you need anything.”

His respectful demeanor thoroughly delighted Audrey, and when he addressed her as Director Kinberg, she couldn’t help but feel flattered.

However, she had not lost her reason and remained aware of appropriate boundaries. Her expression briefly turned cold.

“Since you are a newcomer, focus your energy on academic research. Spend less time on trivial matters like flattering leaders or trying to get closer to people. Hurry up and leave.”

Kyle felt a sinking feeling but did not dare to say anything further. He obediently left the office and, considerately, closed the door for her.

He thought, ‘What’s so great about it? Sooner or later, I will make you willingly keep me!‘

Nevertheless, he ultimately brought a meal for Audrey, but simply hung it on the door without daring to knock and go in again.

After Josie and her group finished their meal in good spirits and left the restaurant, Jeremy took several technical experts back to the research institute, while Sven intended to discuss further cooperation with Lindsey.

Josie planned to return to the Reedshaw family home with Sean. As the new semester was approaching, she needed to pack her belongings and return to school to live.

Just as she was about to take her leave, Lindsey called her back and slipped a gift into her hand.

“I didn’t have your contact information, so I couldn’t send you a gift. This is a New Year’s gift, and I’m making up for it!” said Lindsey, looking at her with a cheerful smile.

Her sudden action left Josie completely at a loss.

‘Why does she give me a gift now?‘ thought Josie.

“Lindsey, you are a businesswoman. It would be inappropriate for you to give me a gift at this time. I cannot accept it.” Josie handed the gift back.

Lindsey held her hand and said, “Silly child, do you think this is a New Year’s gift?”