Chapter 39
[ 939 words ]
Rose thought she had misheard and let out a faint gasp. “Huh?”
Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose. He had been so furious when he first heard the news that he’d almost laughed in disbelief.
“Look at her attitude.” He glanced at Rose. “Those were her exact words—”
“She won’t allow anyone to sneak in through backdoor connections. She said drug research is the result of every researcher working day and night, pouring their heart and soul into experiments, and she doesn’t want it to become a platform for people to boost their credentials.”
Rose: “……”
For a moment, she seriously wondered if Samantha had lost her mind.
Had Ryan’s indulgence made her this arrogant?
Rose let out a quiet scoff. “Doesn’t she remember how she got into Columbia University’s research team in the first place?”
“She believes she has ability, so naturally she applies double standards,” Caleb said, shaking his head.
Rose’s brows furrowed slightly as she thought it over.
“I’ve been out of the loop for years. The Columbia team probably has doubts about me now.”
After all, she didn’t have Samantha’s polished résumé. Everything about her had been carefully constructed. And with Ryan backing her…
“You were Dr. Hale’s final protégé and the sole founder of G.S. Who are they to question you?” Caleb said firmly. “Without you, there would be no G.S. You single-handedly built the Aetheris Medical AI database. You mustn’t lose confidence.”
That much was true.
The Aetheris Medical AI database—including drug-interaction mapping, predictive treatment models, clinical trial integration, molecular compound analysis, and pharmaceutical classification systems——had all been compiled by Rose over three years.
Even experts had been astonished by its depth.
It had already attracted interest from federal health agencies and major research institutions.
It wasn’t something Samantha’s polished résumé could compare to.
“I know,” Rose said quietly. “I just need an opportunity. Until I prove myself, no one will believe I’m the developer of Aetheris Medical AI.”
She needed to prove herself step by step.
Only then could she stand firm against the Knight family.
Only then could she protect Ariel.
She took a slow breath. “Let’s talk to Columbia first.”
Caleb patted her shoulder. “Leave it to me. If Samantha doesn’t show up, fine—she won’t get credit. She can’t take the benefits without doing the work.”
Rose shook her head with a faint, self-deprecating smile. “If Columbia University is involved, do you really think Ryan isn’t behind it?”
It was precisely because of Ryan’s influence that Samantha had the confidence to act this way.
Or maybe…
Rose frowned slightly.
Was this retaliation for her words at the dinner? For humiliating them as a mismatched couple?
Had Ryan decided to push things in Samantha’s favor on purpose?
She wasn’t sure.
But given how much Ryan protected Samantha… nothing seemed impossible.
*****
Columbia University.
Samantha arrived at the campus in the morning, fully aware that her absence would put pressure on Columbia University’s side.
“I’m sorry everyone,” she said gently. “I have strong principles. I didn’t mean to make things difficult for you.”
The younger students quickly reassured her. “It’s not your fault, Ms. Hill.”
When Professor Reed arrived, he cautiously mentioned Caleb’s reaction.
Samantha’s smile faded slightly as she listened. A hint of irritation flashed through her eyes.
She hadn’t expected Caleb to defend Rose so firmly.
She had assumed the backlash online would have made Caleb distance himself from Rose. Instead, he was still protecting her.
“Who exactly is this Miss Bennett?” one graduate student asked.
All eyes turned to Samantha.
She paused, then replied carefully, “I only know she’s married… but she seems to have a close relationship with Mr. Byrne.”
Whispers immediately spread through the group.
“You can’t believe it—going this far just for credit…” someone muttered, then stopped short.
But the meaning was clear to everyone.
Samantha watched their reactions quietly, then turned and left without another word.
******
The conflict remained unresolved.
With deadlines approaching, Rose still attended meetings with Columbia University. Caleb accompanied her as well.
But today, she noticed something different—people were looking at her strangely.
She couldn’t understand why.
And Samantha still hadn’t shown up.
The meeting proceeded smoothly regardless.
As it ended, Caleb spoke casually, though his tone carried weight.
“It seems even Columbia University can’t manage Ms. Hill. If this continues, the collaboration may not be sustainable. G.S may have to reconsider the partnership entirely.”
The room immediately went tense.
The Columbia University students panicked.
“How can that be?”
They all knew what collaboration with G.S meant for their future careers.
Before anyone could respond, Samantha appeared at the doorway and overheard everything.
Her expression tightened slightly.
Her reason for joining the project had always been clear: G.S’s influence, its national-level projects, and its strong institutional backing.
She had only intended to apply pressure—not lose the opportunity entirely.
“Ryan, I heard Miss Bennett has already earned President Byrne’s favor at G.S. That’s impressive,” she said softly, glancing at him.
Ryan’s expression remained calm. “It’s nothing.”
He stepped inside.
Rose looked up and met his gaze.
His dark eyes were unreadable, heavy with pressure even in silence.
Rose frowned slightly.
Did he think she had influenced Caleb?
That she was targeting Samantha deliberately?
Ryan turned to Caleb. “Mr. Byrne.”
Caleb smiled lightly. “Miss Hill is quite fortunate to have Mr. Knight personally escort her.”
Rose lowered her eyes.
She could see it clearly now.
Ryan had come to support Samantha.
Professor Reed and the students quickly greeted Ryan as well.
Ryan asked calmly, “What does Mr. Byrne propose?”
Caleb’s smile deepened. “Very simple. Miss Hill should bow and apologize to Rose.”
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