Chapter 780
“No,” Eleanor replied briskly before heading straight for her office.
Faye stayed rooted to the spot, watching Eleanor’s retreating figure. She bit her lip, steeling herself. This time, she was determined to prove her worth and earn a spot on the project team through her own abilities.
Back in her office, Eleanor’s phone chimed again—a new message from lan: “Busy? Or do you have other plans p>
She glanced at the screen, set the phone facedown on her desk, and ignored it.
Ten minutes later, Faye was waiting outside Joel’s office. When she saw Joel approaching with Callie, her heart skipped a beat. She quickly forced a bright smile and called out, “Callie, long time no see! I heard you’re taking over Joel’s position. Congratulations p>
Callie didn’t even bother to return the smile. He gave Faye a brief glance, then turned to Joel. “I’ll head back to my office p>
“If you have any questions, just call me anytime,” Joel replied, giving Callie a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Faye watched Callie walk away, frustration flickering in her eyes. She remembered how she used to ignore him outright, but now, even when she swallowed her pride and greeted him warmly, this was the response she got.
If she hadn’t asked Callie out for lunch last time and tried to nudge him into taking credit for Eleanor’s work-something he now held over her-she’d never have bothered being so nice.
“Joel, do you have a moment? I’d like to talk,” Faye said, clutching a folder labeled “FDA p>
Joel looked up. “If you have something to say, just say it p>
“I want to apply for the special project team. I’ll prepare my materials seriously,” she said.
Joel adjusted his glasses. “You can sign up directly. No need to report to me p>
“I know. I was just hoping maybe you could give me a few words of encouragement,” Faye said, her eyes pleading.
Joel paused, then asked, “I recommended you to Mr. Goodwin for the Sanctuary City lab. Did you consider it p>
Faye’s eyes widened in shock. “Joel, you were the one who recommended me for Sanctuary City p>
He nodded calmly. “It’s a small lab, but its research focus matches your background p>
Faye’s expression darkened. “Joel, that’s just a second-tier lab. They don’t even have major projects p>
She’d done her homework. No wonder there was a team leader position open there; it wasn’t a key assignment, just routine work.
Joel pushed his glasses up again. “With your qualifications, running a small project is already a good step p>
Faye’s grip tightened on her folder, her heart pounding. So in Joel’s eyes, she was only fit for minor assignments?
“Joel, I want to stay here. Even if it’s just as your assistant, I’d be happy,” she said, her gaze burning with undisguised admiration.
Joel’s face grew stern. “Faye, this is a lab, not a dating service. I expect you to keep your personal feelings out of the workplace p>
Faye’s cheeks flushed crimson. She twisted her fingers, mortified at his blunt rejection. Trying to salvage her dignity, she stammered, “That’s not what I meant -my parents live here in Ashford City. I just want to stay close to them p>
Joel gave her a measured look. “Research takes focus. If you want to prove yourself, do it with your abilities. I don’t play favorites, and I won’t make exceptions p>
The message was clear: asking lan for special favors was pointless.
“I understand. Don’t worry, Joel,” Faye said, her face heating up again. Clearly, Joel had found out she’d privately approached Vanessa to ask lan for help.
Joel turned and went into his office, leaving Faye standing in the hallway. After a moment, she walked away too.
But inside, she couldn’t help feeling indignant. Joel told her to keep things professional-so why was it okay for him and Eleanor to have feelings for each other? Taking a deep breath, Faye pulled out her phone and texted Vanessa: “Sis, it was Joel who recommended me for Sanctuary City. I turned it down. From now on, I’ll rely on myself p>
“Good,” Vanessa replied.
Faye couldn’t tell if Joel had meant well or if he just wanted her out of the way- for Eleanor’s sake, perhaps?
At the end of the day, Joel found Eleanor. “Mr. Goodwin invited me to dinner tonight to discuss the civilian project. Want to come p>
Eleanor shook her head. “I’ll pass. I want to get home to be with the kids p>
“Alright. I’ll call if there’s anything important,” Joel said with a nod.
At the school gate, Eleanor arrived ten minutes early and sat in her car, scrolling through her phone. When she sensed someone approach the window, she looked up quickly.
Xavier was leaning on the car door, smiling at her. Eleanor rolled down the window and greeted him, “You’re here p>