Chapter 149

149
Hannah let out a soft laugh and said , “ Oh , Professor , you know how KY is with their confidentiality agreements . My lips are sealed , ”
Her tone was deliberately ambiguous , and Albert’s eyes lit up with curiosity . Switching tactics , he asked , “ In the paper on protease inhibitors , how did you come up with the idea for the final ingredient ? ”
A fleeting image of a crumpled draft paper flashed through Hannah’s mind . Her grip on her bag strap tightened as she hesitated for a moment . Then , she began to explain the experimental process and the effects of that particular ingredient .
Her explanation was so thorough that Albert was now almost certain she was Professor Colton .
“ You majored in pharmaceutical analysis , yet the protease inhibitors are entirely based on herbal medicine . I never would’ve guessed you had such expertise in this area too , ” Albert said , clearly impressed .
Traditional Medicine wasn’t exactly a priority at KY , but the success of herbal – based inhibitors had turned heads , prompting KY to establish a dedicated lab for further research .
The breakthrough even inspired many students to apply for overseas studies , hoping to join the lab .
Before the protease inhibitors , Madelyn had already published several influential papers on pharmaceutical analysis .
This was precisely why Martin was so eager to invite her to Mandino University .
Finally , Albert revealed his true purpose . “ Martin is retiring next year , and he’d like to invite you to Mandino University as a graduate advisor . ”
Hannah blinked , stunned . “ Invite me ? ”
‘ Wait , does he actually think I’m Professor Colton ? No way … Hannah’s mind raced as she tried to process the situation . Her cheeks flushed slightly . “ I’m sorry , Professor , I— ”
“ Don’t be so quick to say no ,” Albert interrupted with a smile . “ You’re incredibly talented . Martin has promised that you’ll only need to mentor one batch
of graduate students . In three years , you’ll be promoted to a Ph.D. mentor . ”
A Ph.D. mentor was a title far beyond what a KY team leader could ever hope to achieve .
After the controversy surrounding the beauty cream , whispers questioning Hannah’s abilities had grown louder . Even during her substitute teaching , some students had made snide remarks .
Becoming a Ph.D. mentor would silence all the rumors . The thought was undeniably tempting .
Hannah hesitated before asking , “ Professor , you’re really serious about this ? ”
Albert nodded firmly .
He was inviting her – Hannah – not the elusive Professor Colton .
Hannah finally spoke , “ Professor , I’d like to think it over . ”
“ Alright , I’ll be waiting for your good news , ” said Albert .
1
Albert rushed to Martin’s office , eager to share the good news , only to find that he had already gone home .
Worried that Hannah might decline and disappoint Martin , Albert decided to wait for a definite answer before informing him .
The moment Martin stepped into his house , a strong medicinal smell hit him . He scanned the room and spotted his daughter lounging on the sofa , her face covered with a thick , black mask .
1/2
11:01 Wed 4 Jun MUI
149
“ Dad ? What are you doing back ? ” Vivian Schmidt asked .
Martin rarely came home , sometimes staying away for months . Seeing her father suddenly appear , Vivian was visibly startled ,
Martin asked , “ What are you putting on your face this time ? ”
Martin walked over , peeled the mask off her face , and froze at the sight of angry red patches . “ What happened to your face ? ” he demanded .
Vivian snatched the mask back from him and slapped it back on . She explained how she and others had experienced allergic reactions to Hannah’s beauty balm and how Aria had helped treat their skin .
“ Why didn’t you tell me ? ” asked Martin .
Vivian rolled her eyes . “ You’re never home . What’s the point of telling you ? ”
Concerned about his daughter’s condition , Martin said , “ Show me the treatment plan Aria gave you . ”
Vivian complied .
Martin scrolled through the photos , his astonishment growing with every detail he read . “ She customized a different treatment plan for each of you ? ”
Vivian said , “ Exactly . I went to several labs , and none of them could identify the ingredients in the beauty balm . Aria single – handedly identified the components in over a dozen bottles . She’s way more capable than Hannah , who didn’t live up to the hype . ”
The treatment plan was specifically designed for allergies caused by chemical agents . The meticulous notes and detailed process felt eerily familiar – just like Professor Colton’s unmistakable style .
Martin fell silent . Aria was twenty – two years old , matching the description given by Lance .
He had met Aria once before and had sensed then that she was no ordinary girl .
Feeling a surge of excitement , Martin asked , “ Do you know what her previous name was ? ”
“ Yeah , ” Vivian replied , recalling a livestream that had spread rumors about her . “ Her old name was Madelyn Colton . ”