Chapter 92
Heidi pursed her lips. "The Windsor Group is in its growth phase. A divorce scandal wouldn't be good right now."
Clinton nodded. "That's certainly true."
Just then, Simon and Oliver sat down beside them.
"Ms. White, Mr. Windsor abandoned you to sit with another woman—aren't you upset?" Simon asked deliberately.
Heidi smiled gently. "Arthur went over there just for Mr. Barnes. It has nothing to do with anyone else."
"Really? I noticed Mr. Windsor chatting quite comfortably with that Caroline woman, like they've known each other for ages. You're truly not bothered at all?"
Simon's words pierced Heidi's heart like a thorn. She gripped her wine glass, her knuckles momentarily turning white before quickly returning to normal.
"Mr. Smith," she smiled, "Arthur only went over because I wanted to become Mr. Barnes' student. There was no other intention." And certainly not because of Caroline.
Simon sighed, his tone somewhat suggestive. "You really do trust him. I was hoping you might dump Arthur and consider me instead, but I see that's unlikely now."
Oliver couldn't listen anymore. "Simon, use your mouth for eating, not talking."
Was Simon really trying to steal Arthur's woman right in front of everyone? How shameless. He felt embarrassed to call Simon his friend.
Simon glared at him. "What's wrong with that? A beautiful woman deserves worthy suitors. Isn't it natural for an exceptional woman like Ms. White to attract multiple admirers?"
Heidi smiled without responding. She knew she was exceptional, and occasionally attracting attention was inevitable.
If Arthur weren't in the picture, Simon would indeed be a good choice. But comparing the two men, there was simply no contest.
Meanwhile, at the other table, Arthur sat down and glanced at Caroline.
"Something wrong?" Caroline's expression faltered slightly. She had indeed been surprised when Arthur came over, but she'd composed herself now, her face betraying no emotion.
Arthur looked away, his deep, cool voice barely audible. "Nothing."
Caroline was confused—if nothing was wrong, why had he come over? But she didn't care to know his reasons anymore.
Arthur, however, struck up a conversation with Gabriel. "Mr. Barnes, I heard you're personally researching cancer treatments. As it happens, the Windsor Group has developed a new targeted drug that precisely attacks specific genes or proteins in cancer cells with minimal side effects. Would you be interested in learning more?"
"Does it work on all types of cancer?" Gabriel paused, his expression turning serious. His gaze discreetly passed over Caroline before he said, "Go on."
Arthur, seemingly unconcerned about data leaks, meticulously explained the research and experiments behind the targeted drug.
Caroline hadn't expected Arthur to discuss such matters with her mentor. From his words, he appeared to have researched cancer treatment for years and was quite knowledgeable.
And of course, who wouldn't be interested in cancer treatment? Especially Caroline and Alton.
At first, they were just listening casually, but as Arthur continued, they felt a sudden clarity, even hope.
Caroline could see excitement building in Alton's eyes, which made her happy too. Not because of Arthur, but because if this targeted drug came to market, her cancer might actually be curable.
Initially, no one at the table had welcomed Arthur's arrival, given Gabriel and Alton's obvious attitude.
Under such circumstances, Arthur's natural arrogance should have made him leave angrily, but he remained perfectly calm and even managed to command the conversation.
"Mr. Barnes, if you're interested in this project, perhaps we could schedule a detailed discussion another time?" Arthur suggested, knowing just when to stop.
Gabriel certainly wouldn't refuse. "That would be fine."
Arthur nodded and took out another document from his folder. "The advancement of this targeted drug project is fully overseen by the Windsor Group's director, Heidi White. She has many innovative insights into cancer treatment and is exceptional in medical research, Mr. Barnes."
Gabriel's gaze instantly turned cold. "That won't be necessary. Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Windsor, but I have enough students. I don't need to add another."
Alton's expression soured as well. He knew it—Arthur, that bastard, offering unsolicited favors. He was definitely up to no good.
"Mr. Windsor, if you have no other business, you should probably head back. Your girlfriend is waiting for you."
Arthur frowned slightly but didn't argue. Instead, he turned to Caroline. "Coming home?"
Caroline had been calculating the possibilities and cure rates of the targeted drug, completely absorbed in thought.
Hearing his sudden question, she finally realized he was talking to her and replied coolly, "No."
That place wasn't her home.
Arthur nodded slightly. "Alright." After a brief pause, he added, "Logan and Layla miss you. Visit them sometime."
Caroline's expression remained cold. "I'll keep that in mind."
Arthur didn't say anything more. He rose calmly and said, "Mr. Barnes, I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave now."
Gabriel didn't stand up, his tone decidedly cool. "Take care. Don't let us keep you."
Arthur left decisively and returned to Heidi's side.
Heidi gave Caroline a long, meaningful look, her smile deep and knowing. "Arthur, things didn't go well?" she asked with concern.
Arthur's brow furrowed slightly as he reassured her gently. "Don't worry, I've got everything under control."
Simon curiously interjected, his tone teasing, "What didn't go well? Is there actually something Mr. Windsor can't accomplish?"
Heidi smiled, but before she could speak, Clinton jumped in. "What else could it be? Heidi wants to become Mr. Barnes' student, but he never agrees."
"Someone as exceptional as Heidi—of course Mr. Barnes would want her," Clinton continued. "But certain people just can't stand to see Heidi succeed, using their tenuous connections to cause trouble."
"She must be deliberately sabotaging things, making Mr. Barnes dislike Heidi. Otherwise, how could Mr. Barnes not want someone as brilliant as Heidi for a student?"
Simon's face immediately darkened. "To think there are people with such malicious intentions! She's clearly jealous of Ms. White's talent!"
Oliver grabbed his arm in warning. "Caroline is exactly the person your father told you to befriend. You'd better not offend her."
They had come with a specific mission, and now knowing Caroline's special relationship with Gabriel, they especially couldn't afford to antagonize her.
Simon brushed it off carelessly. "What's there to fear? My father must have been deceived, which is why he gave the Alzheimer's project to Zenith Technologies Ltd. I think the Windsor Group would be much better suited, especially with Ms. White on board. They'd certainly do a superior job."
A flash of delight crossed Heidi's eyes, though her face showed only resignation. "I tried to secure that project too, but Caroline has more advantages in that area. I heard she's actually the legendary Hamilton, C.—quite surprising, isn't it?"
She swirled the wine in her glass, each sentence sounding casual and offhand.