Chapter 347

Chapter 347

Arthur sneered and turned to leave.

Oliver chased after him. "Hey, wait up! Am I wrong?"

"Why is it just you two? Where's Caroline? She promised she'd celebrate with me. Where'd she disappear to?" Becky had circled the venue looking for Caroline. Finding no sign of her inside, she stepped outside and spotted Arthur striding ahead with Oliver trailing behind. She frowned.

"Looks like she left with someone. If you want to hang out with her, you'll have to get in line behind us." Oliver jerked his thumb toward Arthur.

Arthur ignored him. Becky planted her hands on her hips. "Get in line? I already made plans with Caroline!"

"Whatever. There's no point arguing with you guys. I'll just call her." She pulled out her phone. Both Oliver and Arthur perked up their ears.

Caroline was still in the car when Becky's call came through. Hearing her friend's voice, she quickly explained, "I'm so sorry. Something came up at the last minute. If I finish in time and you guys are still there, I might swing back."

"What's so urgent? I was really counting on you being there." Becky's voice turned pouty.

Caroline sighed. "It's work. I'm sorry. I promise I'll make it up to you."

Her words carried clearly through the phone—not just to Becky, but to the two men standing nearby.

Learning it was work-related, Arthur's expression smoothed out. At least she wasn't running off with some guy.

Oliver let out a long breath. "That's Ms. Hamilton for you—wins Outstanding Entrepreneur her first year in business. Pretty soon we'll probably need appointments just to see her."

"Of course! Do you even know who my Caroline is?" Becky beamed with pride. After all, Caroline was her best friend—her success was something to celebrate.

After hanging up with Becky, Caroline arrived at her destination.

She found herself in an immaculate conference room. An elderly man with a white beard sat inside.

Harlan was there too, but unlike his usual composure, he sat in the seat below the old man, treating him with pronounced deference—clearly playing a supporting role.

That was rare. Given Harlan's status, people usually fawned over him. Caroline rarely saw anyone command his attention like this. She immediately understood this person was no ordinary figure and instinctively adopted a respectful manner.

"So this is Dr. Q?" the old man asked.

"Yes, sir. Though that's just a code name others gave me. My name is Caroline Hamilton. You can call me Caroline." Caroline wasn't sure of his exact position, so she kept it formal.

He smiled. "With achievements like yours, there's no need for false modesty. I've heard many people mention you. The medications you've developed—they serve the country and its people. That's excellent work."

Harlan remained silent throughout. Caroline had to handle this on her own.

"You're too kind, sir. I only hope to contribute what I can. If I can help those patients, that's my honor."

"If everyone had your sense of duty, perhaps our nation's progress wouldn't be so slow." The old man spoke again. Caroline's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't dare respond to such a statement. She could only offer a polite smile.

She held her cup of hot tea, but her mind raced. Who exactly was this man? He discussed national affairs without batting an eye.

She glanced at Harlan, hoping for some hint.

Harlan said nothing—only refilled the old man's tea.

But that was enough. This man was definitely someone important.

"Less than two months after I assigned you the coma research, you've already made a breakthrough. Well done."

"Whatever equipment and funding you need, just ask. I'll have Harlan give you full support. As long as you can produce viable medication within a year, everything else can be arranged."

The old man spoke slowly. Though he appeared nearly seventy, his bearing remained sharp. His eyes weren't clouded with age—they shone with clarity.

"I can't promise that." Caroline paused.

Even with short-term progress, major projects like this often took years to yield results. Her research team was already under enough pressure. She didn't want to add more difficulty now.

No matter how advantageous the old man's offer, she wouldn't agree rashly. The old man didn't seem bothered. He continued, "A while back, some shortsighted people went after you. I've already removed their backers from their positions. The pharmaceutical research you're leading is critically important. I'll arrange for your protection. Beyond that, any needs you have—tell Harlan."

"As long as you deliver results within the timeframe, I guarantee no one in this country will dare touch you."

Harlan had only promised to protect her in Sovereign City. This old man casually mentioned the entire country. His reach was clearly extraordinary.

With backing like that, she wouldn't need to watch her back anymore.

He kept sweetening the deal. Caroline was genuinely tempted, but…

She hesitated. The old man looked at Harlan. "Has there been new precision equipment developed overseas recently?"

"Yes. Latest models. We just received word. They haven't even issued batch numbers yet." Harlan nodded.

Caroline's breath caught.

The equipment in her lab was decent by domestic standards, but compared to top international research institutes, there was still a significant gap.

Precision instruments were the sticking point. They couldn't simply be purchased. The country couldn't import the relevant technology. A small research facility like hers, no matter how much money she invested, couldn't access that level of equipment.

If the old man was saying what she thought he was saying…

"Use whatever means necessary. Get the best equipment delivered to Caroline's facility. Let Caroline and her team focus on research." The old man's tone was unhurried. Caroline's heartbeat quickened.

"Yes, I'll arrange it immediately." Harlan agreed again. Only then did the old man smile with satisfaction and turn to Caroline. "Caroline, don't feel too much pressure. You're a law-abiding, upstanding citizen. I'm asking you to do your best on this project. Can you agree to that?"

Just do your best—not a demand for guaranteed results. The terms had loosened considerably.

Combined with the draw of top-tier equipment, Caroline didn't hesitate this time. She nodded. "I can."

"Good." The old man smiled and patted her shoulder. "I knew I could count on you for this."

"All right, Harlan. I've been out long enough today. Take Caroline back. And remember—don't breathe a word of this to anyone."

Harlan nodded and escorted Caroline out.

As they walked outside, Caroline couldn't help asking, "That man was…"

Harlan shushed her, gesturing upward.

Security cameras hung overhead. Though they appeared turned off, Harlan clearly didn't consider it safe.