Chapter 303

A 55 vouchers

He said, “Ms. Rogers, I’m usually easy to get along with, but that doesn’t mean you can toy with me on matters of principle. Lately, people have been coming to mess with my students more frequently. Is this all because of you?

“Let me make this clear. If no one transfers out of my team, so be it. However, should anyone leave, you will be the first person I hold accountable. By then, it will not be a matter that can be resolved simply by a bonus deduction.”

His expression turned cold, and he gave Hadley a cold look. Hadley did not even have time to react before he strode away.

She was so infuriated that she kept slapping the table and said, “Director, what does he mean by this? I didn’t do it on purpose, yet he even threatened me. I…”

The director interrupted her directly, “What can you say for yourself? With such a serious mistake in your work, what excuse do you have? If Joseph weren’t so understanding, he wouldn’t have let it go.

“Do you really think our whole institute can keep freeloading off his research methods? I suggest you keep quiet. If that kid is pissed, we’re out of luck. You will have to become the public enemy of the entire research institute! Is the matter he just mentioned related to you? I warn you, their research has only just achieved some minor results.

“Don’t go inciting everyone to poach people from his team. If your actions impede their research progress, don’t blame me for embarrassing you!”

Upon hearing these words, Hadley could only fall awkwardly silent, though she was still upset inside. She could only look up and shoot Audrey a fierce glare. She felt that it was all her fault.

She thought, ‘Audrey keeps insisting that David is better than Jeremy. So, what happened now? Now I have been implicated. I am so pissed!’

Audrey was already feeling unhappy, and after receiving a glare from Hadley, her discomfort intensified.

She said, “David, make yourself clear. What do you really think about this matter?”

David no longer wished to argue with her. He picked up a pen and wrote a formal decision letter to withdraw from the project. He handed the signed document to the director and said, “Director, whether or not to cancel our research project is up to you. However, my decision to withdraw from the project, starting today, will not change!”

“Fine. David, you really are something, I…” Audrey, completely blinded by anger, stepped forward to strike, but was immediately restrained by Hadley.

She said, “Audrey, calm down. At this point, what good would it do to beat him up? We should think about what to do next.”

Hadley had not expected David to be so ruthless. He actually abandoned his tasks immediately and decisively.

Audrey swung her arm and said, “Director, this project is funded by the Monroe family, and several experts from the National Hospital are still in the institute. You need to think carefully about what to do next.”

The director was speechless by that point. Clearly, it was their actions that caused the trouble, yet they have shifted the responsibility onto him.

He thought, ‘Do they think that because I have been a nice guy for so long, my words do not carry as much authority anymore?’

The director’s gaze grew solemn as he said, “I agree to the cancellation of the project. However, you cannot withdraw from the project in this manner. As the project initiator, and with Mrs. Kinberg serving as the project leader, you are both required to take responsibility for the losses incurred in this instance.

“Whether it is the Monroe family or the National Hospital, you must negotiate and reach an agreement with them yourselves. Otherwise, I will not sign this withdrawal document. It is absolutely impossible for David to just drop everything and leave.”

He thought, ‘Damn, does everyone just think I am easy to push over or what?’

The director waved his hand, signaling that they should get out. He said, “You have three days. If this matter is not resolved within three days, I will submit an application directly to the higher authorities. I believe that once the National Hospital learns the truth, they will not stand idly by. If you are not afraid of risking embarrassment, I am prepared to put my reputation on the line for this.”

Given how far the discussion had progressed, even David, no matter how shameless he was, would find it inappropriate to speak up again. His face grew paler. It seemed unlikely that he would escape unscathed this time.

He thought, “My reputation that I have preserved for several decades…”

At this thought, he turned to look at Gavin and Kyle.