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“What are you doing?” Kaia stepped back abruptly, narrowly avoiding Tobias’s hand.
Tobias’s eyes narrowed deeply. “What are you hiding? It’s not as simple as just going out for a walk,
is it?”
Kaia took a deep breath, her expression turning stern and cold.
She said, “That’s right. I went out to eat with a friend. And yes, it was a male friend. I didn’t say anything because I was afraid you’d misunderstand, not because I was guilty. Every time I hang out with a guy, you always respond sarcastically and make it unpleasant for me.”
‘So that’s really all it is?‘ Tobias thought.
Looking at Kaia’s angry face, Tobias felt it did seem genuine.
After a moment, Tobias apologized sincerely, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pried into your business, and I shouldn’t have doubted you.”
“Alright, I accept your apology. You were just concerned about me. But I’m really tired now, so I’m going to sleep.” Kaia turned her body away from him, not looking at him again.
That posture was clearly sending him a “you may leave” signal.
‘Then sleep early. I won’t disturb you anymore.” Tobias turned and left.
When the door closed, Kaia let out a long sigh of relief.
Thank goodness for her quick thinking. Otherwise, she might have been found out.
Her head felt heavier and heavier, and drowsiness kept washing over her.
She decided to take a quick shower and go to bed early.
After preparing her pajamas, Kaia went to the bathroom and turned on the shower.
“Ouch! Forgot about that.” She had forgotten about the wound on her forehead, and the water instantly splashed onto it.
After quickly tending to it, Kaia hurried through her shower, got into bed, pulled up the covers, and fell asleep almost immediately.
The next day, Stephen called, saying there was an important research breakthrough and Kaia
should come take a look.
On the way to the research institute, she felt groggy and overwhelmingly sleepy.
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Half an hour later, inside the institute, a group of senior professors surrounded her and began reporting.
As she listened, Kaia suddenly blacked out. Her consciousness faded as her vision went dark. She then collapsed onto the table.
“Dr. Bennett!” someone shouted.
“Oh no! Dr. Bennett has fainted! Quick, call a doctor!”
“Doctor! Doctor!”
“Dr. Bennett’s forehead is bleeding!”
The institute was thrown into chaos.
Before long, an ambulance had rushed Kaia to the hospital.
The incident blew up. Soon, the entire city knew Dr. Bennett had been hospitalized, and it instantly became a trending topic on every major website.
Netizens flooded the comments section.
[I hope Dr. Bennett is okay. She’s an irreplaceable pillar of our country!]
[Maybe she’s just been working too hard. Even geniuses need a break!]
[Does anyone actually know what’s wrong with her? Is it serious?]
[I want to know that too.]
Meanwhile, the Bennett family was eating together.
‘Here, Andrea, eat more. You’ve lost weight working on research with Professor Guzman lately. Ruth placed a beef in Andrea’s bowl.
“Thanks, Mom,” Andrea replied with heartfelt gratitude.
Ruth smiled. You silly child, why be so polite?”
Lincoln looked at Andrea. “Last time you offended people at the institute… I don’t know if you’ll even be able to get in again.”
At those words, everyone frowned.
Andrea bit her lip. “Dad, Mom, Dr. Bennett is in the hospital. I plan to visit her.”
“You know where she’s hospitalized?” Both Lincoln and Ruth were surprised.
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Andrea said, “Yes, pure coincidence. My senior from university works at the hospital where she’s staying. She told me an hour ago.”
Ruth understood her daughter’s intention. “Last time, Kaia embarrassed you in front of those senior professors, ruining their impression of you. So now you want to prove to Dr. Bennett that you’re not what they think, and maybe let her see your talent for herself?”
Andrea looped her arm through her mother’s. “You know me best, Mom.”
Lincoln frowned. “I’m worried it might backfire. What if Dr. Bennett dislikes you because of those professors? Then… I’m afraid it could implicate our whole family.”
Andrea replied, “Dad, don’t worry. My senior says she’s lucky enough to be Dr. Bennett’s nurse and has chatted with her a bit. She says Dr. Bennett is very approachable, without any airs. She’s easy to get along with.”
She added, “And besides, if she can become a giant in the scientific community, she must be clear- headed and fair–minded. She’ll know the professors misunderstood me.”
Andrea was confident.
Lincoln replied, “As long as you’re confident, then make sure you present yourself well in front of
her.”
Andrea smiled. “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad.”
Kaia was sitting up in her hospital bed, wearing patient clothes, surrounded by senior professors from the institute. Joel, who stood with his arms crossed, looked worried.
A professor said, “Dr. Bennett. How should I put it? At work, you and I have a superior–subordinate relationship, but in my heart, I treat you like my granddaughter. So listen to me. Your health is the foundation of everything. For your own sake, for us old fellows, and for the whole of Wustriland, you must take care of yourself,”
“Professor Munoz is right! You don’t know how terrified we were when we saw you faint, like the pillar of our team had suddenly been removed.”
Elderly people love to nag. And once they latch onto something, they’ll repeat it endlessly. By now,
Kaia had heard these same words at least three times.
I understand,” she said, rubbing her aching head.
“You said the same thing the last time you were sick, one professor said sternly
Kaia was stunned.
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Joel couldn’t stand it anymore. He came to the bedside, looking at her as if she owed him money.
He said, “Tell me. What’s the story behind the wound on your forehead? This isn’t just an ordinary illness. You have to tell me the truth, or I’ll investigate it myself. And during the investigation, I’ll stay with you 24 hours a day. Even if you’re at the Huo house, I won’t leave
your side.”
Her head throbbed even more. She’d planned to just make up an excuse, but clearly that wouldn’t work now.
Kaia said, “Actually, last night I participated in the Pioneer Retreat street race.”
“What?” Joel’s eyes widened. “Do you have any idea who you are and how important your safety is? You went to take part in something as dangerous as an illegal race? One slip–up and you could be dead!”
“There wouldn’t be a slip–up. My driving skills are very good.” Kaia’s explanation had zero effect on these people.
“Dr. Bennett, you really can’t treat this as a joke! The institute can’t function without you!”
“Exactly! How could you do something so risky? What if something happened just like Mr. Graham said?”
“You mustn’t do this ever again!”
She’d been thinking of telling Joel about the final race coming up in a week. But now, it was better to keep that to herself for now.
At that moment, Andrea had already arrived at the hospital.
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