Hadley looked visibly frustrated. She had previously boasted unabashedly in front of Josie and several others, but she never thought they had even written a research paper. Now, she only felt embarrassed.

The pain was so severe that she couldn’t even bear to see them.

Audrey could not have anticipated such a situation.

She replied, “As you know, Jeremy has always kept a low profile and focused on his research, paying little attention to external affairs. I thought he agreed to take on these students only because he was persuaded by Delilah, but who would have thought…”

She thought, ‘Unexpectedly, these individuals truly proved themselves by achieving success ahead of David and his associates, and even securing patents. This is seriously pissing me off!’

Hadley asked anxiously, “What are you going to do now? Would you consider reaching out to Jeremy again? I have heard that they are conducting joint research on three projects and are likely in need of additional personnel. Perhaps you could…”

“Stop!” Audrey waved her hand. She added, “You are well aware of his character. Nearly twenty years have passed, and despite all my efforts, he remains completely unmoved. At times, I genuinely question whether he is a man at all.”

Hadley clicked her tongue lightly and said, “Now that you mention it, it’s true. When you were younger, you were a real heartthrob. There wasn’t a man you couldn’t win over, but you always got rebuffed by Jeremy. Tell me, what is so special about that bitch Delilah that makes him insist on staying loyal to her? Why does he have to be with her?”

Whenever this matter was brought up, Audrey would be upset. She said, “Do not mention Delilah to me. I have said that I will make Jeremy regret it, and I will keep my word. Delilah will only drag him down. Only I can make him successful. For so many years, Delilah has clung to Reedshaw Acupuncture Technique, resulting in Jeremy’s lack of accomplishment as well. I cannot believe he harbors no resentment in his heart. And now, she has even involved him in some sort of joint research. It’s utterly ridiculous. I insist on pushing David to surpass him. I want to let him know that only the man whom I wholeheartedly support can stand at the pinnacle of this circle and become a legend. I just don’t believe he won’t regret it when the time comes.”

Hadley pursed her lips. She said, “Your idea isn’t wrong, but I’m not so sure David is as impressive as you say. Just look at what’s happened recently. Take another look at those students!”

Hadley pointed in the direction of Josie and the others. She said, “Given the current situation, he has already lost the first round. The other party has filed a patent application, and it’s unclear whether you’ll even be allowed to use that research method. Plus, director wants to get to the bottom of this. Aren’t you worried at all?”

Audrey interrupted Hadley, “There is nothing to fear. David’s students could not possibly have stolen the data. These research methods were discovered independently by the two teams. Any similarities are purely coincidental. Besides, I believe these two research methods are quite different. As long as we clarify the situation, we still have a chance. Hadley, I need your help. Those students…”

She lowered her voice and, covering Hadley’s ears, whispered a few words to her.

Hadley smiled slightly. “You can rest assured. I am in charge of the personnel files for the entire research institute. I can make anyone stay, and I can kick them out as well. Sooner or later, I’ll tear their team apart. Let’s see what Jeremy will do then!”

Josie was unaware that Joseph and his companions were already under surveillance. After finishing her meal, she returned to the laboratory and worked overtime for a while. Only then did she return to the university.

Three days later, the institute’s investigation results were released. Jeremy called on Joseph and Josie to meet with the director together. On David’s side, apart from David and Audrey, only Gavin and Kyle attended. Unexpectedly, Hadley was also present. Josie wondered why she was there. The moment Josie saw Kyle, she immediately understood that the director would not remain neutral this time. Since this was a matter of principle, it was certain that Kyle would be subject to disciplinary action. However, Josie had not anticipated that the matter would be handled in such a manner.