Chapter 344

Chapter 344

Recently, everyone at the research institute has been busy with plant-related projects. Those who weren't qualified enough remained in the original Alzheimer's project team, continuing to advance the late-stage experiments.

What Tim mentioned was a result achieved by the researchers who stayed behind in the project team. It had only been reported a couple of days ago. Plus, she hadn't been in Sovereign City before, and there had been a major breakthrough in the plant research project, which made her overlook this matter for the time being.

Tim felt a bit embarrassed, "My uncle found out about it."

So it was Neil—that made sense.

Neil had visited the research institute several times before, almost always because of Bryce.

Caroline knew he was devoted to his family, so she never stopped him.

It must have been during these visits that he got in touch with the researchers on the project, which was how he learned this news so early.

"New Year is coming soon. If the new project works, we'd like to give it another try."

Tim initially didn't want Bryce to suffer through this, but the drug for treating Alzheimer's had already been used by quite a few people since its release, with pretty good results.

Even his parents were tempted, hoping Bryce could be lucid enough to celebrate the New Year with everyone.

With the research institute's original capabilities, this would have been difficult to pull off, but now with the new breakthrough, Tim felt they could try again. He looked at Caroline expectantly.

Caroline thought for a moment and nodded, "I'll keep an eye on it for you. If it works for him, I'll notify you right away."

"Thank you, Ms. Hamilton!" Tim was thrilled.

A few days later, the list of outstanding entrepreneurs of the year was announced.

Besides the usual names—those groups that contributed greatly to the city's GDP—there was a new face: Caroline.

Many in the pharmaceutical industry knew her reputation, but seeing her name on that list still came as a surprise.

Those from other fields who didn't know Caroline started asking around about where this big shot came from.

After investigating Caroline's background, they were all shocked. A woman who had just started her company less than a year ago and was basically a novice in the industry—how did she get this qualification?

She had no prior experience in this area. She'd even been a housewife for seven years after graduation, only getting divorced and starting her own business this year. Why should she be named an outstanding entrepreneur?

Even though the drugs she developed were widely known, people weren't buying it.

Who said those drugs were her achievement? This kind of thing couldn't possibly be done by one person. She just happened to be lucky enough to lead the team and curry favor with the authorities, but that couldn't hide the fact that she had no experience.

Caroline had no idea about the agitation and dissatisfaction among these people.

She had no dealings with them and wouldn't come into contact with them.

People in the industry knew her capabilities and wouldn't go out of their way to tell her these things.

Harlan even less so—those who weren't selected were just clowns in his eyes, not worth mentioning. Their thoughts and opinions weren't in his consideration at all.

After confirming that Caroline had her speech ready, he verified the time with her, telling her not to be late on the day of the award ceremony, and mentioned there would be a surprise guest to present the awards.

Caroline didn't have much expectation for the surprise guest, but this event was indeed significant for her. Even without Harlan saying so, she would approach it in her best condition.

Just for her styling alone, she communicated with the styling team several times before finally selecting an outfit and updo hairstyle with Helen's help.

"Caroline, you're so beautiful. I guarantee when you go out in this, you'll be the most eye-catching person tonight!" Seeing her all dressed up, Helen applauded from the side.

Becky arrived late. This was her good friend's important moment—she had to be here no matter what.

Seeing that Helen had beaten her to it, she wasn't about to be outdone. "Caroline, I prepared a gift for you! Wear this when you go on stage, and I guarantee you'll blind them with brilliance!"

A long red velvet box was placed in front of her. Under Becky's expectant gaze, Caroline opened it to find a pearl necklace inside.

Each pearl was round and full, gleaming beautifully under the light.

"These are all natural sea pearls! It took me forever to find ones with such good quality to make into a necklace. You're wearing a gown today, so this is perfect." Becky helped her put it on. The smooth pearl necklace fastened around her neck, hanging halfway to her chest, complementing the dark green gown perfectly.

Observing her handiwork, Becky nodded with satisfaction, "Perfect. I knew my taste wouldn't fail, just like when you wanted to start your business—I always believed in you!"

She pumped her fist, getting excited, "My best friend is the best! When you make it big, don't forget about me. You have to give me..."

"You're married now. Do you still want eight male models?" Caroline said helplessly.

Becky smiled and stuck out her tongue, "We'll do it secretly. No one will find out."

"No one will find out what?"

A gloomy voice came from the doorway. Becky instantly froze like a cat whose tail had been stepped on and turned her head stiffly, "When did you get here?"

She had clearly avoided Stanley!

Stanley glanced inside and smiled coldly, "You didn't close the door."

Caroline's styling was done, and she was waiting backstage. She remembered closing the door.

So it must have been when Becky came in that she didn't close the door properly, ending up causing trouble for herself.

"I'm taking her away." Stanley nodded to Caroline and left, dragging Becky with him.

Becky reached out toward Caroline, who looked completely helpless.

They were a legally married couple after all—there was nothing she could do about it!

Becky was dragged away struggling. Helen looked outside and sighed, "They have such a good relationship."

"Yes." Caroline nodded. Despite all the bickering, Stanley's kindness to Becky had always been genuine. That was probably why they could be together.

"Next, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome this year's only female outstanding entrepreneur, Ms. Caroline Hamilton, to the stage!"

The host's enthusiastic voice rang out through the speakers.

Caroline took a deep breath, nodded to Helen, and walked toward the stage.

Actually, when she first started her business, she didn't think that much about it. She just wanted to help ease the pressure on the research institute. She never imagined she could come this far.

Feeling the attention of the people around her and those gazes—whether amazed or admiring—Caroline's steps became lighter.

This was her stage. She was the star today.