To avoid suspicion, Julia and the two little ones didn't leave immediately. They spent a day touring nearby attractions before pretending to rush back home.
As they left, Deanna put on a gloomy face and accompanied Gunner to an academic conference. Lance, on the other hand, went to the local Mercer Group branch daily to handle business.
That afternoon, Deanna and Lionel followed their master to another academic discussion. Unexpectedly, as soon as they arrived, they encountered a notorious figure in the medical field.
"Mr. Martinez, it's been years. You look quite worn out," Hank greeted them with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Gunner lifted his eyelids slightly and retorted disdainfully, "I can't help it. I do things with conscience, morality, and principles. Even if I can't come up with a research topic, I won't stoop to stealing my students' work like some people."
This remark undoubtedly exposed Hank's shameful behavior, making his face turn ugly. Gunner noticed but didn't care, motioning Deanna and Lionel to continue forward. This disregard only fueled Hank's anger.
His gaze swept over Deanna and Lionel, and he sneered, "Martinez, it seems that incident ten years ago hit you hard. Now you're not even picky about your students. I remember you used to only take master's students or higher. But then again, those students you personally selected all betrayed you for profit."
Hearing this, Gunner paused but didn't turn around. He stood there, something dark and turbulent in his eyes, but he suppressed it firmly. Deanna and Lionel immediately sensed his emotional shift.
Especially Deanna, who had always thought she was her master's only student. But now wasn't the time for curiosity about such matters.
Deanna immediately retorted sarcastically, "My master abandoned past standards and lowered admission requirements because he has teaching ethics and cares for promising students. Unlike some people who steal their students' work and frame them."
"Deanna is right. Although our teacher can be very strict, especially when pushing me to revise my thesis to the point of despair, I know it's for my own good. When it comes to teaching ethics, our teacher is exemplary," Lionel echoed Deanna's words.
Hank listened to their accusations, his eyes blazing with anger. He couldn't refute them.
Finally, he pointed at Deanna, Lionel, and Gunner with a trembling hand, gritting his teeth, "You may be smug now, but let's see how long that lasts once the award ceremony begins!"
With that, he stormed past them down the corridor.
Deanna and Lionel exchanged worried glances. Hank's words were a clear threat to cause trouble at the ceremony.
Gunner, however, remained unusually calm after his initial reaction to Hank's provocation. He glanced at his anxious students and said in a low voice, "What's there to fear? We'll deal with whatever comes our way. Besides, there's no guarantee he'll succeed in causing trouble."
Hearing this, Deanna and Lionel felt reassured. On the day of the award ceremony, their master would reveal the formula immediately upon receiving the award. Even if Hank wanted to accuse them of plagiarism with Hall's help, he wouldn't have the chance.
...
The day of the Chopel Medical Awards ceremony arrived.
Deanna woke up early out of nervousness. Although their team didn't win the Chopel Medical Excellence Award, they did receive the Innovation Award-the first time this award had been won domestically-so it was no wonder she was anxious.
"Lance, how about this outfit? Or maybe this one? This one looks more formal," Deanna asked anxiously while holding two fitted women's suits.
On the bed lay over ten sets of branded professional attire. Yet none seemed formal enough for Deanna.
Today, she would stand before the world's media with her master and couldn't afford to lose her composure.
Lance understood her concerns well. Though all the suits looked similar to him, he wanted to satisfy Deanna's preferences.
"Try the one on the left first; it looks good. If you're still not satisfied, Xavier is on his way with another ten suit options."
"Maybe I should wait for Xavier then," Deanna said, feeling that the two suits in her hands were suddenly less appealing upon hearing there were more options coming.