Chapter 71
Caroline lowered her eyes, forcing a fragile smile. "I'm grateful to do meaningful work in the time I have left."
Gabriel's expression grew heavy. "Modern medical technology is remarkably advanced. Don't lose hope so quickly."
"Alton has researched cancer for years," he continued. "His laboratory could provide valuable insights."
Alton seized the opportunity. "Professor Barnes is right. Our progress would accelerate tremendously with your involvement."
Caroline hesitated, touched but uncertain. "I've never specialized in cancer research. My expertise lies elsewhere."
Her true concern remained unspoken—her dwindling energy might not sustain additional experimental work.
"Caroline," Alton pressed, "our research relies heavily on clinical data, but willing participants are scarce. Would you let our research fail when you could help?"
Gabriel shot Alton a pointed look, surprised by his student's unexpected talent for emotional manipulation.
Ignoring his mentor's gaze, Alton presented his latest findings to Caroline. "Recent research shows cancer treatment can combine modern medicine with alternative therapies."
"Acupuncture, for instance, helps slow metastasis and reduces treatment side effects. Professor Barnes excels in several alternative approaches—he could personally oversee your treatment."
His eyes met hers with earnest intensity. "Don't you want to witness this miracle firsthand?"
Looking into his sincere expression, Caroline found herself unable to refuse.
"Alright," she nodded. "Professor Barnes, Alton—thank you both."
"No thanks necessary. This is what we're here for."
Gabriel performed another diagnostic assessment, arranging weekly acupuncture sessions and monthly hospital treatments.
As Caroline prepared to leave, his expression returned to its customary sternness.
"I've reviewed your recent research. It barely passes muster. In medical research, however, mere adequacy means regression. Having left the field for seven years, you must work harder than others to compensate. I expect a satisfactory paper on cancer treatment within a week."
"Professor Barnes..." Alton began, concerned about Caroline's health.
"I'll deliver something worthy of your expectations," Caroline interrupted, accepting the challenge.
Alton sighed inwardly, resolving to prepare additional data to prevent Caroline from overexerting herself.
As they left the faculty apartments, Alton steered Caroline toward his car. "There's an evening reception at Royal Estate. It's the perfect opportunity to resolve our funding situation."
Caroline glanced down at her simple work attire. "I'm hardly dressed for such an event."
"I've anticipated that," Alton smiled. "Everything's arranged."
He brought her to an elegant tailor shop with understated decor. Caroline selected a jade-green gown and entered the changing room, noticing Alton's familiar conversation with the elderly tailor.
She realized how little she knew about him. He had never mentioned his family or background.
But Caroline respected boundaries. Everyone had secrets they were entitled to keep.
---
At Royal Estate, Caroline answered John Smith's questions with articulate confidence, her elegant demeanor attracting considerable attention.
"Who's that woman with Professor Brooks? She's quite striking."
"I've never seen him bring a date to these functions. They make a handsome couple—perhaps wedding bells are in their future?"
Alton's mysterious background and position as Celestial University's youngest professor had made him a coveted match for many socialites, though he had shown interest in none.
His appearance with a female companion immediately became the evening's focal point.
Heidi observed them from across the room. "Arthur, Caroline's here too, deep in conversation with Mr. Smith. Her ambition knows no bounds."
Arthur glanced briefly at the jade-clad figure before looking away. "Let's go speak with Mr. Smith."
Heidi's lips tightened momentarily.
Was Arthur approaching because of Caroline?
No—if he had feelings for Caroline, their seven-year marriage would have shown some emotional connection. If nothing developed in those years, nothing would develop now.
Arthur was clearly interested in John Smith, Sovereign City's mayor, not Caroline.
Reassured, Heidi took Arthur's arm as they approached, catching Caroline mid-explanation about her Glial Cell Microenvironment Simulation System.
"How impressive," Heidi remarked with a subtle smirk. "Caroline masters in days what others research for years, achieving results that exceed all standards. If we had more geniuses like her, all medical challenges would be solved instantly."
She remained convinced that Caroline—a mere housewife—couldn't possibly have developed such a complex system or calculated such intricate experimental data.
Seeing Alton's protective attitude toward Caroline explained everything. Someone of Alton's caliber could produce those results. Caroline had clearly seduced him into using his work to advance her career.
Alton's expression darkened as he recognized Heidi's backhanded compliment. "If you lack capability yourself, perhaps remain silent. Your limitations don't define others' potential."
Heidi's face paled with anger.
She had assumed her medical accomplishments and introduction to Gabriel would earn Alton's respect. Instead, he defended Caroline so fiercely that even the slightest criticism was intolerable.
Quickly masking her reaction, Heidi smiled. "Caroline stays quite busy. Previously she was inseparable from Mr. Bennett, and now she's already found a new patron."
Alton's customary composure threatened to shatter as he contemplated a scathing response.
Caroline merely smiled placidly. "Not all relationships depend on external support. True success relies on personal ability."
Heidi's carefully maintained expression nearly slipped as she silently disagreed, viewing Caroline's words as yet another boast.
John Smith interjected with an amused smile. "Arthur, your girlfriend has quite the spirited temperament."
At the word "girlfriend," Heidi lowered her eyes with practiced modesty and shyness.
Arthur's cold gaze briefly passed over Caroline before he smoothly redirected the conversation toward government initiatives, neither confirming nor denying John's assumption.
Caroline understood the implications. Arthur would likely announce Heidi's status officially after their divorce was finalized, protecting her from being labeled a homewrecker. How considerate of him.