Chapter 244
Gabriel's expression immediately soured. "She just got here and hasn't even had water yet, and you're already making her try on clothes?"
"So what? I had this outfit custom-made in advance. Of course, I need to see if it fits Caroline properly." Zoey wasn't backing down. She'd been waiting for Caroline for ages.
"Thank you, Mrs. Barnes. I deliberately didn't dress up today, specifically so I could wear the new outfit you prepared for me."
Caroline spoke with a smile. Zoey shot Gabriel an even more triumphant look. Gabriel snorted coldly, watching helplessly as his wife whisked away the disciple who'd just arrived.
Alton couldn't hold back his laughter. "Mr. Barnes, Mrs. Barnes just missed Caroline too much. Give it a minute."
"If she missed her, why didn't she say so? She had to wait until I brought Caroline over to speak up. She's deliberately giving me grief, isn't she?" Gabriel's words were sharp.
Alton understood his personality best, knowing he just needed a way to save face. He quickly offered a few more placating words until Gabriel finally calmed down.
Only then did the two wait together in the living room.
In just a short while, Caroline emerged wearing a dark emerald gown that made her skin look like snow, her entire presence exuding gentle, quiet elegance.
Zoey looked extremely satisfied. Even Gabriel nodded. "Not bad, Zoey. Your eye hasn't dulled."
"You even need to say that? Of course, only the best for our Caroline. Today, you wear this and let everyone know—you're Gabriel's final and most important disciple!"
Zoey had been preparing this outfit ages ago for Caroline's stunning entrance today.
Gabriel cleared his throat. "That's enough. Today's an academic discussion, not a beauty contest."
"So what? Even if it were a beauty contest, is there anyone in your circle more beautiful than our Caroline?"
Listening to Gabriel and Zoey bickering back and forth, the smile on Caroline's face barely faded.
Since becoming Gabriel's disciple, she'd received all the family affection and care she'd barely experienced growing up, right here from Gabriel and Zoey.
Compared to the White family, this felt more like her home. Gabriel and Zoey felt more like her family.
After they finished their playful argument, seeing it was about time, Zoey reluctantly let them go.
As they were leaving, Zoey was still reminding them to be careful on the road.
This academic symposium was more formal than the previous business conference. Everyone able to participate was a heavyweight in the medical field.
Nearly all were professor-level figures. Even for a top-tier medical group like Vanguard Enterprises Group, only two people were qualified to attend.
Caroline could get in entirely thanks to Gabriel's influence.
A venue like this required strict identity verification and invitation checks.
But with Gabriel here, his face was the brand itself. He merely stood at the entrance, and before the greeters could speak, the organizers had already rushed out to welcome him personally.
"Mr. Barnes, having you here is truly an honor!"
Gabriel merely nodded faintly.
The organizer didn't mind. After all, everyone in the medical field knew Gabriel's authority. His attendance itself showed tremendous respect. They certainly couldn't expect him to greet them with warmth—that treatment was reserved for what level of big shot?
"And who is this beside you?"
While ushering Gabriel inside, he also noticed Caroline and inquired.
Only then did Gabriel speak. "This is my final and most important disciple."
"You mean the recently rising Dr. Q?"
The organizer was an industry insider. After a moment's thought, he guessed Caroline's identity, his gaze showing both amazement and admiration.
"I never imagined Dr. Q would be so young."
Caroline had always appeared in a mask before. Many didn't know her true identity or age, but everyone accepted that geniuses had their quirks.
Seeing her in person now, they were shocked to discover she was this young and beautiful, far exceeding expectations.
"Of course, my disciple is young and accomplished."
Gabriel's lips curved slightly, his gaze at Caroline especially indulgent.
From just that one sentence, the organizer detected Gabriel's extraordinary regard for Caroline. His attitude immediately grew even warmer.
"Mr. Barnes, Dr. Q, please, this way."
To show his respect, he personally escorted them inside.
It was at this moment that a familiar car stopped at the entrance.
Arthur got out. As he walked over, the greeters requested identity verification. He produced his invitation, but his gaze fell on the woman who'd just gone inside.
"That's Mr. Barnes's final and most important disciple, Dr. Q. Our organizers personally welcomed her, so no identity check was needed."
The greeter assumed he had questions and explained directly.
Arthur nodded. "I know."
His feelings were simply complicated.
Without him, Caroline's life kept getting better, her reputation growing stronger.
"Everything checks out. You may enter."
After verifying the invitation, they politely stepped aside.
Arthur was about to head inside when a voice came from behind.
"Mr. Windsor, long time no see."
He turned to see the man just stepping out of his car, his expression cooling slightly.
"Mr. Morris."
"Seeing Mr. Windsor at an event like this is quite surprising. I never thought you'd venture into the medical industry. I almost thought I was seeing things."
The man approached cheerfully, trying to shake Arthur's hand.
Arthur shifted his body, making his hand miss.
The other man paused but showed no displeasure. The smile on his face only deepened. "I heard you recently partnered with our group. How is it? Is the collaboration going smoothly?"
"The business partnership is naturally fine. But doesn't Mr. Morris usually stay abroad and not handle these matters? Why the sudden return?"
This was Richard Morris, chairman of Vanguard Enterprises Group.
He was the youngest son of Vanguard's original chairman, doted on from youth. He'd taken over the company right after college graduation.
But having stayed abroad too long, he'd absorbed many foreign methods that seemed somewhat underhanded when applied domestically.
Arthur didn't approve of his tactics and, naturally, wasn't very courteous with him.
Richard always appeared polite and smiling, but he loved stirring up trouble behind the scenes, using sneaky moves that caught people off guard. Dealing with someone so outwardly gentle yet calculating made Arthur deeply uncomfortable—even slightly nauseated.
Richard didn't care about Arthur's cold reception, just shook his head with a chuckle. "This is my hometown, after all. I'll return here eventually."
"Mr. Windsor, what a coincidence today. How about we discuss our ongoing collaboration later?"
"No need."
Arthur walked past him straight inside.
The gaze behind him turned cold as a viper's.