Dumping Him for His Uncle (Natasha and Zachary)

"What you're about to see is the most basic sequence."

Natasha spoke with confidence and clarity, breaking down even the most complex ideas into something accessible. Quentin was clearly impressed by hernoveldrama

perspective.

The seminar ended up running an hour longer than scheduled, but not a single person left.

"I didn't expect someone as young as Ms. Bradley to have such bold and insightful ideas. I truly admire that. As you all know, I'm not just here for this seminar. My real purpose is to find new talent for the research institute," Quentin said.

Then, right there in front of everyone, Quentin extended a direct invitation to Natasha.

"Mr. Anderson, for you to offer me this opportunity—" Natasha hadn't even finished her sentence when someone stepped out from the shadows and walked forward.

"As far as I know, Natasha, you haven't earned your master's or PhD yet. Isn't joining the institute now a bit premature?"

The man stepped forward, and Natasha's eyes widened in recognition.

"Professor Stone? You're here too?" she said, surprised.

Yancy Stone had been one of her professors during her undergraduate studies. Back then, he'd tried to convince her not to give up on graduate school, but he hadn't succeeded.

"If you're truly talented, then not having those degrees won't hold you back," Quentin said.

It was clear he valued ability over credentials.

Still, Natasha hesitated. Fansville Institute might currently be the top research institute in Cendale, but who could predict how things would look ten years from now?

A degree was still the most secure investment in her future.

Yancy seemed to sense her uncertainty and added quickly, "Even though you chose not to continue your studies back then, I had a feeling you'd reconsider someday, so I took the liberty of saving a spot for you."

Natasha had never imagined she'd actually be given a chance like this, so she was beyond thrilled.

From the shadows, Zachary watched the joy on her face and couldn't help the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Standing nearby, Quentin looked a little disappointed. She was clearly a rare talent.

"Mr. Anderson, there's no need to feel discouraged. Natasha was once my student. Earning her doctorate won't be a problem for her.

"If you're truly serious about bringing her into the institute, it won't hurt to wait until she finishes her grad studies," Yancy said.

He wasn't trying to decide for her, but it was clear to everyone that Natasha was genuinely interested in the offer.

"I wonder what Ms. Bradley thinks? I believe we can look forward to working together," Quentin said.

Right there, in front of everyone, the two of them reached a clear understanding.

Of course, while some believed Natasha deserved the recognition, others weren't so convinced.

Suddenly, Elena stepped forward. "I'd like to report that everything Natasha presented earlier wasn't her original work. She stole the idea from me!"

Quentin turned his gaze toward Elena. He remembered her. They'd had a brief encounter over dinner the night before.

"You're making a serious accusation here. If that's the case, I hope you have some proof," he said.

Xavier immediately rose to Natasha's defense. He had never even seen this data before. Since that was the case, it meant that she ran those tests on her own.

Elena realized she might've spoken too hastily. She didn't have any concrete evidence right now-but still, she was convinced Natasha had something to hide. She had to be guilty.

"If you think I stole your work, then take a look at this date. If we reverse the gene sequence shown here, what kind of results would we get?" Natasha said calmly. She asked the question without rushing, cool and composed as ever.

Under the weight of everyone's attention, Elena froze, uncertain of what to say.

"I'll tell you, then. The entire gene order would collapse, and it could trigger mutations," Natasha continued.