Chapter 14

Was she deliberately avoiding us? What was she thinking? Did she really plan on not coming back to the team?

Natalie couldn't figure out Josie's intentions for now. But this situation was working in her favor.

Natalie thought, "As long as Josie doesn't come back to compete with me, I'll eventually win over all the senior boys. Everything they have will be mine!"

Unaware of Natalie's schemes, Josie was busy taking notes during the consultation.

In the team, Josie spotted a few familiar faces—renowned experts in various medical fields, people she usually only saw in medical journals.

Midway through the consultation, a small incident occurred.

A professor who had made a name for himself in pharmacology suggested, "Regarding the combined research on cytology and acupuncture, I think we should still invite Professor Lawson to join. He's the top expert in cellular studies. No one here knows more than he does."

"You think I'm dead or what?" Delilah's usually gentle face flashed with anger. "If you're clueless about my history with him, I suggest you catch up on the gossip. What kind of expert is he anyway? Bring him in and watch him kill my patients?"

"You…" The professor who made the suggestion was fuming. "Professor Wilcourt, that was uncalled for. Our goal is to tackle cell-related diseases. Anyone who can contribute should be welcomed into the team. How can you let personal grudges prevent you from bringing in someone who could benefit our research? That's not what a doctor should be about."

Delilah snorted. "Sorry, but my team doesn't need someone like David. If you think he's so great, go find him yourself. He's not welcome here."

'Damn, she's strong,' Josie swallowed nervously, stealing an admiring glance at Delilah. 'My new mentor's got guts.'

And just like that, Josie realized she had unintentionally sided with David's rival.

The thought gave Josie a rush. 'I wonder if Aiden and the others will think I'm doing this on purpose. Well—of course I am. Let's see them fume over it!'

"What are you smirking at? Go show this professor what you've got. Prove to him that even my interns aren't here just to fill seats," Delilah said, tugging Josie forward.

Josie stepped up. "Good afternoon, professors. About the research on combining cytology and acupuncture that you just mentioned, I believe…"

Josie delivered a thorough analysis, covering everything from cellular research theories to pharmacological applications and the role of acupuncture. Her explanation dissected every angle, providing a clear feasibility assessment for Delilah's new project.

Though brief, her speech silenced the entire room. Even Delilah couldn't hide the gleam of surprise—this girl was better than she expected.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, the room erupted in applause. Someone asked, "You're not majoring in acupuncture, are you?"

"No," Josie answered honestly. "My major is cytology."

The man continued, "I heard Professor Lawson's starting a new research team as well. Since you major in cytology, why didn't you…"

Before he could finish, Delilah cut him off, clearly annoyed. "What, you think my team doesn't deserve a top-notch cytology student?"

"That's not what I meant." The man chuckled, patting Delilah's arm. "I'm just worried history might repeat itself. You know how hard it was to put this team together."

Delilah glanced at Josie. "Relax. That won't happen this time. David's not getting his hands on this one."

"Alright, that's all I needed to hear. Then let's wrap up for today. Once your team is assembled, start the research as soon as possible. I'll coordinate with the patient's family." Jeremy stood up as he spoke.

Jeremy adjusted his glasses, his gaze lingering on Josie for a moment before leaving with another professor without saying anything more.

Delilah turned to Josie. "You heard what he said. Since you're in my team now, don't let your mind wander elsewhere. I don't like students with a foot in both camps."

"Don't worry, Professor Wilcourt. I'll stay focused. There's no way I'd go back to Professor Lawson's side," Josie promised firmly.

Then she asked, "By the way, those two just now—were they Professor Wilcourt from clinical medicine and Professor Sommers from pharmacology?"