Chapter 164
All along, Jeremy and Delilah had conducted themselves discreetly, shown no interest in competing for power, and had been relied upon mainly for their expertise in traditional medicine. Audrey had never taken them seriously. However, she had never anticipated that they would suddenly appear and try to take that person away from her.
Audrey struggled to suppress her anger, managing only a faint smile. “Delilah, we’ve known each other for so many years. Back then, your sister and I were close friends. The Reedshaw family has always practiced traditional medicine, and Jeremy has been helping you develop it for many years.
“There’s no need for us to compete over this modern medicine project. If your team is understaffed, I can assign several experienced researchers to assist you. In return, would you consider letting me lead this project?”
Delilah laughed and said, “So when your tough tactics don’t work, you switch to the gentle ones? It’s pointless, Audrey–I’m not swayed by persuasion or threats, especially those two tricks you always use. And don’t mention my sister again; if it hadn’t been for you, she would never have been in that car accident.
“You are utterly unworthy of being her friend!” Delilah stood up and glanced at Grayson. “Mr. Stanton, I will speak to Joseph myself. Don’t forget what you promised me.” After she finished speaking, she stepped out of the office.
Audrey’s face twitched with anger. “Delilah, must you insist on competing with me?”
“If you have the guts, then snatch it back!” Delilah sneered and strode away without looking back.
Audrey turned to Grayson. “Are you really just going to stand by and do nothing? Do you truly plan to hand over such a promising project to a traditional medicine practitioner? You know the current state of the Reedshaw family. Aren’t you worried it could damage your school’s reputation?”
Grayson raised his hand and touched his forehead. “Audrey, that’s not quite accurate. I’m not in a position to speak on matters concerning the Reedshaw family, but Delilah isn’t pursuing this project for herself–she’s doing it for Jeremy.
“To my knowledge, Joseph’s field of study precisely matches Jeremy’s area of expertise. Furthermore, Joseph is currently interning under Jeremy. If this project were to be initiated, it would be considered standard practice.
“I believe this is most likely also the reason why Joseph would refuse to collaborate with you. Moreover, since Jeremy is a professor at the Central Research Institute, could this also be considered a collaboration between the university and the institute? I do not understand how this could have caused the school to lose its reputation.”
Audrey was furious–she could hardly believe that Grayson, who had always been so accommodating and had clearly promised her she could choose any student she wanted, would suddenly change his attitude. “What exactly did Delilah give you that makes you speak up for her?”
Upon hearing these words, Grayson became so angry that he stood up. “As someone of high standing, it’s inappropriate for you to make baseless accusations. I’m simply stating the facts–not taking sides.
Furthermore, as teachers, it’s our fundamental duty to respect our students‘ choices. They are university students and adults; it’s not our role to make every decision for them!
“That’s all. I need to attend a meeting now. Please leave.” Grayson was so enraged that he experienced chest pain. He had not intended to offend Audrey, given her prominent status. It had all been about competing for talent; as long as it did not go too far, he had been able to tolerate it.
However, Audrey had actually gone so far as to falsely accuse him of accepting favors from Delilah. He had been absolutely unable to tolerate such an allegation–not even as a joke. Grayson had risen to see the guest off, leaving Audrey embarrassed.
Audrey’s anger had clouded her judgment, leading her to speak without restraint. Now that everything had already been said, her pride kept her from offering an apology. After all, she had little professional interaction with Grayson and even less personal contact; if she had offended him, so be it.
Audrey left the principal’s office with a stern look, thinking she would probably need to speak with Joseph about this. However, she hadn’t gone far before she spotted Delilah standing with Joseph, while Josie and Claire stood nearby.