Audrey waved her hand irritably. “Understood. Simply recruiting personnel is not sufficient; research projects are also necessary. Release me at once–I need to speak with your principal.”
Joseph had actually dared to turn down her invitation. She wanted to see just how tough he really was and whether he truly had the guts to refuse joining the Central Research Institute. After sending Natalie away, Audrey stepped into the faculty building.
In the Principal’s office, Delilah was sipping coffee at a relaxed pace. “Mr. Stanton, you really can’t turn down my request. Not only is Joseph currently interning with my husband, but this project also includes contributions from my student, Josie. Furthermore, considering Joseph’s own wishes, if you were to abuse your power for personal gain and intervene excessively to give this project to someone else, I would not stand for it.”
Grayson wore an expression of quiet bitterness. He had just received a call from Hadley at the Academic Affairs Office, informing him that Joseph had turned down Audrey’s invitation to collaborate. Immediately after, Delilah confronted him in the office.
The university collaborated with various research institutes, sending countless talented individuals to these advanced facilities each year. Previously, he had promised Audrey that she would be allowed to come in person that year to select candidates.
No one had expected that this year’s Grand Prize would not go to one of David’s students, and that Joseph, of all people, had somehow become involved with Delilah. Delilah had held a long-standing grudge against David and, by extension, had also been at odds with Audrey. Now that both were trying to win someone over, it placed him in a truly difficult position.
There was nothing that could be done. Delilah was also a teacher, so he could not possibly act against their interests. Moreover, Joseph had also rejected Audrey.
Grayson asked, “You’ve always stayed out of these matters. Why are you suddenly interested in the school’s external partnerships?”
“I may not like to interfere, but that doesn’t mean I don’t interfere!” Delilah smiled and said, “You probably know that I recently started a new research project at Aloville Traditional Medicine Hospital, right? This happens to be somewhat related to Joseph’s innovation project. I would like to combine the two studies and pursue further research collaboration with Professor Wilcourt.”
This strengthened Grayson’s resolve. He said, “Alright, but you’ll need to negotiate with Joseph yourself. If he agrees, I won’t interfere.”
“No!” Audrey pushed the door open angrily. “Mr. Stanton, you must not agree to her request. Once this project begins, neither Jeremy nor Delilah will have the necessary manpower or resources to manage it. Only by entrusting it to me will you be making the best and most responsible choice for your students.”
Delilah scoffed. “Hey, Audrey, you really are full of yourself. What gives you the right to say that? Is it because you’re the Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute, or simply because you’re from the Kinberg family? If you are relying on your position as deputy director, then I am sorry, but Jeremy is backed by your institute’s director—in this respect, he is not inferior to you. But if you rely on the Kinberg family, that’s another matter entirely. Then tell me, can the Reedshaw family compare with your Kinberg family?”
Grayson broke out in a cold sweat. He knew he had no choice–both families had deep roots in medicine, and he couldn’t afford to offend either one.
Audrey’s face shifted between ashen and pale. Though clearly indignant, she was left speechless by Delilah’s words. If Jeremy had shown interest in the first deputy director election and submitted an application, Audrey would never have been involved.
For many years, Jeremy had devoted himself entirely to research, with the full support of the dean. As a result, she had never been able to influence him, nor had she ever considered doing so. After all, the Central Research Institute’s current achievements would not have been possible without him.
Furthermore, the Reedshaw family had held a higher status in the medical community than the Kinberg family, and their financial resources had far surpassed those of the Kinberg family. She had stood no chance whatsoever against Delilah.