Chapter 42
Leila was uncharacteristically distracted, absently poking at her food without joining the conversation.
Her gaze deliberately avoided Diana's direction, Bella's warning still echoing in her mind. All she wanted now was to be invisible, but someone clearly had other plans.
Just as Ursula was about to stir up more trouble, a cold, piercing glare swept in her direction.
"Watch your mouth, or I can't guarantee it'll still function properly at your next meal."
Ursula flinched, nearly dropping her chopsticks into her plate. She immediately shut up, hunching over her food and not daring to utter another word.
Elisa, watching the exchange with amusement, nudged Diana with her elbow. "What exactly did you do to that sister of yours? She looks at you like a mouse spotting a cat. Even those flies buzzing around her have gone quiet."
Diana took a leisurely sip of her soup before setting down her spoon. "I simply helped her face reality."
Elisa pursed her lips, clearly not buying such a simple explanation, but seeing Diana's reluctance to elaborate, she dropped the subject.
That afternoon, the research institute's routine meeting was held in the third-floor conference room.
Supervisor Brent summarized recent progress from the podium, praising several project teams while calling out others for falling behind schedule.
The atmosphere grew heavy, and everyone was starting to doze off when Brent cleared his throat, his voice suddenly rising.
"Now, for an important announcement."
Everyone perked up, their attention snapping toward him.
"The city, in conjunction with several international medical investors, is organizing a major international medical exchange competition for young professionals."
"This high-profile event is open to medical talents under forty from around the world, aimed at discovering innovative projects with potential." Brent's gaze swept across the room, his expression solemn.
"Most importantly, the winning individual or team will receive venture capital funding of no less than one hundred million dollars for their research project."
One hundred million dollars!
A collective gasp rippled through the conference room. For these research-focused professionals, funding was the lifeblood of their projects.
Such a substantial investment could transform a laboratory entirely, even support a biotech startup from the ground up.
Diana's previously relaxed posture instantly sharpened as she sat up straight. Her biotech park operation needed funding more than anything else. This money—she had to secure it.
Brent, pleased with everyone's enthusiastic reaction, continued, "Our institute has secured several valuable nomination slots for this competition."
Everyone held their breath, knowing that an institute recommendation meant they were halfway to success.
Brent's gaze moved slowly around the conference room before finally settling on two people.
"After careful consideration by the institute's leadership, we've decided to nominate Diana and Leila to represent our research institute in this competition."
The announcement sent shockwaves through the room. Diana's nomination came as no surprise to many. The theoretical breakthrough in the "K-7" project had already caused quite a stir internally. Though many resented it, no one could deny the report's value.
But Leila? On what grounds?
Whispers immediately erupted around the room.
"Why Leila? Isn't she still doing grunt work?"
"She's a York family heiress too—probably pulled some family strings."
"This isn't fair. Dr. Wells and others are far more qualified than she is."
Brent seemed to have anticipated this reaction. He gestured for quiet and explained, "Diana's nomination stems from her extraordinary talent and theoretical depth demonstrated in the 'K-7' project, which you've all witnessed."
"As for Leila, the institute has made a comprehensive assessment." He looked toward Leila, his tone softening.
"Although Leila is still an intern, she has solid foundational knowledge. More importantly, she has a gentle personality, is well-liked, and communicates effectively—qualities that make her an excellent team player."
Rather than quelling the murmurs, this explanation only intensified them.
A medical competition tested professional expertise—since when did "being well-liked" become a qualifying criterion? It seemed utterly absurd.
Leila herself was stunned. The unexpected opportunity hit her like a ton of bricks. She never imagined she'd get this chance.
She instinctively glanced toward Diana, immediately jumping to her own conclusion.
The nomination must have been secured for Diana's benefit by the Russell family. As for herself, her mother Bella must have pulled some strings to force her inclusion.
But that didn't matter. What mattered was that she now had the opportunity to compete directly against Diana.
In Leila's mind, Diana was nothing but a country bumpkin who'd gotten lucky, throwing her weight around the institute solely because of the Russell family's influence. She didn't believe for a second that Diana possessed any extraordinary talent.
This competition was the perfect opportunity to prove herself and crush Diana underfoot. She would show everyone who the real genius was, and who was merely an impostor!
Leila took a deep breath, suppressing her excitement, and immediately adopted her usual gentle, understanding expression.
"Congratulations, Diana," she said, standing up amid the complex gazes of everyone present and smiling toward Diana.
"This competition is important and will involve a lot of cutting-edge international expertise. The difficulty level will certainly be high. If there's anything you don't understand, please feel free to ask me. I'll do everything I can to help you."
Elisa frowned in frustration beside Diana—Leila was truly nauseating.
Diana, however, didn't even raise an eyebrow. She leaned back in her chair and slowly lifted her head to meet Leila's eyes, which were filled with feigned "sincerity."
"Oh?" she replied, her tone rising slightly with casual amusement. "Since you're so knowledgeable, why don't you start by explaining to me what 'off-target effects' are in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy, and the latest international suppression protocols and clinical data comparisons for the resulting cytokine storms?"