Chapter 91
As Caroline's voice rose and fell, the murmurs in the audience gradually quieted. Everyone listened intently to her presentation.
When she finished, the silent hall erupted with thunderous applause. The looks directed at Caroline could only be described as admiring.
"Is she really just a student? Her insights into cancer treatment are so unique. I almost felt like I could do research myself, though now I'm just confused again."
"That's her special talent—she draws everyone in instead of bombarding us with technical terms we can't understand."
Though the audience understood investments, they were largely unfamiliar with scientific research. Caroline's lecture had taught them a great deal.
People nodded in agreement, some unable to resist commenting, "The younger generation is truly impressive! Mr. Barnes has an exceptional eye for talent!"
All eyes returned to the stage where the elegant figure in sky-blue gracefully exited amid the audience's admiration.
"Wasn't Caroline always focused on neuron research?" Clinton couldn't help pointing out. "Didn't she take on that government project for Alzheimer's treatment? Why is she suddenly researching cancer?"
Though he couldn't fully comprehend the technical aspects, he sensed that Caroline's presentation had been extremely successful—even he had found it moving.
Heidi concealed the hatred in her eyes. "She's attached herself to Mr. Barnes's favorite student. Is this outcome really surprising?"
Clinton immediately followed her lead. "Exactly! Professor Brooks specializes in cancer research—he probably wrote that speech for her!"
"Heidi, she can't compare to you. You rely on yourself."
Heidi smiled faintly, glancing at Arthur beside her. "Arthur, what do you think is the relationship between Caroline and Professor Brooks that makes him help her so much?"
A thoughtful look flashed briefly in Arthur's eyes before disappearing. "Don't worry about it. I'll meet with Mr. Barnes during the meal."
Heidi pressed her lips together. "Arthur, I'm sorry you have to go through this trouble for me."
She had long wanted to become Gabriel's student, and Arthur had been working toward this goal.
Hearing this, Arthur reached up to smooth her slightly disheveled hair. "You deserve the best," he said tenderly.
When Caroline emerged from backstage, she immediately saw Arthur gently arranging Heidi's hair, his eyes full of affection. In that moment, she was the only one in his world.
Caroline closed her eyes briefly, a bitter smile flashing across her lips before she suppressed her heartache and quickly joined Gabriel.
"Mr. Barnes," she called softly.
Gabriel smiled. "Come, let's go eat."
Caroline nodded, staying close to Gabriel, occasionally laughing with Alton. From a distance, it appeared as though she never left Alton's side, suggesting an intimate relationship.
Heidi gave Arthur a meaningful look, relieved when his expression remained unchanged.
The dining area was one floor below the lecture hall. The group took the elevator down.
In the restaurant, Gabriel sat at a table with several members of Celestial University's research institute, including Caroline. The other elite families had their own seating arrangements.
Alton was still praising Caroline. "You should have heard them criticizing you before your speech. After you finished, many couldn't say a word."
"Now I'd like to see who still dares to question you!"
He was aware of the rumors about him and Caroline and had tried to suppress them, but the more he pushed back, the more intensely they spread.
What no one understood was that he genuinely saw Caroline as a sister and truly cared for her.
"Thank you, Alton, it's all thanks to—" Caroline began, but was interrupted by a surprised voice.
"Arthur?"
Caroline paused, turning to see Arthur approaching her.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, he walked steadily to her table, stopping right beside her.
"Mr. Barnes, these are coffee beans you enjoy. I happened to come across them and thought you might appreciate them. I hope they're to your liking."
"There were many things left unsaid during our last meeting. Might I have the opportunity to speak with you again?"
Gabriel wore a smile, but his tone was politely distant. "Mr. Windsor, you can relay any matters through my student."
Alton was confused. What had he done to deserve this?
Though he disliked Arthur, basic courtesy was still necessary. He looked at a nearby server. "Please add a chair and place setting."
The other researchers at the table had no idea what the renowned Arthur had done to earn such cold treatment from both leaders of their institute. They neither dared to look up nor speak.
Arthur showed no displeasure at Gabriel's coolness, smiling as he thanked Alton. "Much appreciated, Professor Brooks."
Alton nodded reluctantly.
Noticing Caroline's glance, Arthur had the server place his chair between Gabriel and Caroline, sitting down with casual composure.
Alton was about to express his displeasure when he saw Caroline subtly shake her head, forcing him to hold back.
Meanwhile, Clinton watched the scene with bulging eyes. "Heidi, what is Arthur doing? Going specifically to sit with Caroline—could it be...?"
As one of the few people aware of Caroline and Arthur's marriage, he wondered if Arthur might be rekindling their relationship.
Heidi seemed equally surprised by this development. With a blank expression, she said, "Mr. Barnes is extremely influential in the medical field. His achievements are virtually unparalleled nationally. He's also my ideal mentor."
Clinton paused, his face showing sudden understanding. "So Arthur is advocating for you?"
"Yes."
Clinton glanced again at Caroline. "Look at her shy expression. She probably thinks Mr. Windsor is there for her. How presumptuous!"
"But wasn't Caroline sitting beside Mr. Barnes? Don't they have a good relationship?"
"Not really," Heidi replied with slight mockery. "They're merely acquaintances."
In her view, Caroline was sitting near Gabriel solely due to Alton's influence. Without Alton, how would Gabriel even know Caroline?
Clinton nodded. "Oh, I see."
He leaned closer to Heidi, lowering his voice. "Heidi, have Mr. Windsor and Caroline divorced?"
At this, Heidi frowned impatiently. "No."
Caroline had proposed divorce, but Arthur hadn't responded.
Heidi believed this was just Caroline's tactic to get Arthur's attention rather than a genuine desire to end the marriage.
Arthur, having seen through her scheme, was deliberately ignoring it.