Chapter 715

“But
Hans hesitated, but he just couldn’t hold it in. He nervously reminded, “Charlotte told you to keep an eye on the B20 research. If you suddenly run off, she might get upset, you know?”
Anthony leaned back against the headboard, his eyes landing on a photo of Charlotte on the nightstand. His usually calm face tightened with irritation.
Did Hans really think he didn’t know what was going on in Charlotte’s mind?
On the surface, she wanted him to keep tabs on the B20 project. The truth was, she didn’t want him anywhere near Solenia. She was worried the N Organization would come after him.
“So, you think I’m afraid of Lottie?”
Hans pressed his lips together, silent. His expression said it all. Wasn’t he?
The room fell into a heavy silence.
After a few tense seconds, Anthony cleared his throat and looked away, acting like he couldn’t care less. “Just book the ticket. Stop making a big deal out of it.”
He had his own ways of making sure Charlotte wouldn’t be mad.
***
The next day arrived.
The first round of eliminations for the International Medical Competition kicked off at the Solenia International Conference Center. Some of the brightest medical minds from around the world had gathered here.
Even before things started, the tension in the air was intense. Contestants clung to their books and equipment, trying to cram in every last bit of practice while they still could.
Letty finished checking over her instruments, then glanced across the aisle at Charlotte.
Charlotte sat in her chair, leaning against the wall, her long legs crossed at the ankle. She was totally absorbed in her phone, fingers flying across the screen.
She didn’t look like she was reviewing notes. It honestly looked like she was just playing around.
Letty stared for a second, then a smirk tugged at her lips.
Seriously? Playing on her phone at a time like this? Hopeless.
Meanwhile, backstage, a group of judges in sharp suits sat in front of the monitors, eyes glued to the competition floor.
“We’ve got a lot of strong
contenders this year,” said a blond man with bright blue eyes, giving a friendly smile. “Especially the one from Eldoria She’s a real talent As for the other one,” her names
The rest of the judges looked confused and started flipping through the contestant list.
“Charlotte!”
As soon as the name was mentioned, the judges exchanged looks. Their expressions shifted.
Charlotte was a special case, added to the competition roster by the board itself. Over the years, only a handful of truly exceptional people ever got that kind of treatment It was almost unheard of.
“I know Charlotte,” Lydia chimed in, smiling politely. “I did some homework on her. She just started university this year and picked up an award for dissection at an academic exchange.”
She shrugged. “It was just a small competition, so I guess she’s got some talent. But she’s studying traditional medicine. That’s not even in the same league as modern medicine
Lydia’s smile stayed, but her eyes were cold. “It’s strange, though. Eldoria has so many great med students. Why did the board make an exception for her?”
She couldn’t accept someone like Charlotte standing on the same stage as her own student.
“I’m not sure,” another judge replied, his mouth curling into a faint, chilly smile. He looked at Charlotte with a hint of bitterness, “As long as she got the skill and didn’t pull an
strings, I’ve got nothing to say.”
Otherwise, this rare chance would have gone to someone from his country, not just
some nobody.
Anyone would feel a little bitter about that.
After a quick ten-minute break, the competition officially began.
There were twenty contestants.
The first round was a test of basic theory. Only fifteen would move on.