Chapter 43
When Diana's question landed, the conference room froze in eerie silence.
The string of technical medical terminology hit Leila like a public slap across the face. Her carefully maintained facade of gentle understanding crumbled as the color drained from her cheeks, leaving nothing but raw humiliation.
She recognized each word individually, but together they meant absolutely nothing to her. Desperately, she cast a trembling glance toward Brent, silently pleading for rescue.
The silence broke when someone snickered, quickly disguising it as a cough. That single moment of mockery ignited the room.
"I knew it. An intern who's never handled an independent project—how could she possibly understand cutting-edge theory?"
"This is a hot research topic. If she can answer that, I'll eat this table."
"Well, this is awkward. Wasn't she just offering to help Diana?"
"Some York family heiress—just a pretty face with no substance, got in through connections."
Leila felt stripped naked before everyone. All her pretense had become a joke in the face of absolute competence. Shame and fury collided violently in her chest.
Brent's expression had turned equally grim. His recommendation of Leila had been the result of careful political balancing—instructions from above combined with consideration for the York family's connections.
He hadn't anticipated Leila would be foolish enough to deliberately provoke Diana.
Now, not only had Leila become a laughingstock, but his authority as director and the entire leadership team's decision appeared absurd.
He coughed heavily several times, attempting to regain control. With an ashen face, he rapped on the table.
"Alright! Professional matters can be discussed privately! There's no need to take up everyone's time during the meeting!"
His transparent attempt at damage control only confirmed everyone's suspicions—Leila truly knew nothing.
"Today's meeting is adjourned!" Brent practically shouted before grabbing his notebook and striding out without looking back, his retreat resembling someone in flight.
With the boss gone, the suppressed atmosphere exploded. People rose to leave in small groups, their glances toward Leila increasingly complex—some sympathetic, some contemptuous, but most carried a knowing "just as I thought."
Elisa nudged Diana, giving her a conspiratorial wink. "That move of yours was more brutal than slapping her twice across the face."
Diana's expression remained neutral, as if she'd done something completely insignificant. She gathered her things and stood up, not sparing Leila a single glance.
"Let's go."
As people dispersed, the once-noisy conference room quickly emptied.
Leila remained standing there, motionless. The surrounding discussions, footsteps, and closing doors seemed to fade away, leaving only a buzzing in her ears.
The way Diana had looked at her moments ago—calm, indifferent, with a hint of barely perceptible amusement.
How dare she?
How dare Diana stand so high and humiliate her with that condescending attitude? She was nothing but a country girl!
Everything she had—her status as the Russell family daughter-in-law, her position at the institute—were all gifts Leila had bestowed upon her!
Leila slowly raised her head. In the empty conference room, her eyes filled with cold hatred.
Diana, we'll see about this. In this competition, I'll make sure you die a miserable death!
---
In the brightly lit corridor, Elisa, freed from the stifling atmosphere, immediately revealed her true nature, excitedly clinging to Diana's arm.
"I almost burst out laughing right there!"
She imitated Brent clearing his throat, then pinched her voice: "Professional matters should be discussed privately! I was dying of embarrassment. His attempt to save face was worse than just admitting 'I was blind and recommended the wrong person.'"
Diana's eyes crinkled with amusement at Elisa's antics.
"But Leila's reaction was the best part," Elisa continued with increasing enthusiasm, gesturing wildly. "That expression—like someone trying to show off but accidentally stepping into a cesspool! I could have filmed it and edited it into the most satisfying drama of the year!"
Diana let her carry on. Elisa leaned in conspiratorially, whispering, "Seriously though, that question of yours—forget Leila, I doubt many people in that room could have answered it on the spot. It's that cutting-edge. You gave her absolutely nowhere to hide."
As they walked toward the elevator, chatting and laughing, they remained completely unaware that at the other end of the corridor, Ursula was supporting Leila, feeling as if her arm might be crushed.
Leila's nails dug into Ursula's flesh with such force that she winced in pain but didn't dare make a sound.
Back in the intern office, Leila sat down silently and opened her computer.
Ursula stood nearby, hardly daring to breathe.
After a moment, Leila pushed her phone toward Ursula.
"Use your account to post a message in the institute's internal group."
"W-what should I post?"
"Say: 'To prepare for the international medical exchange competition, I hope to build an elite team. I welcome all colleagues who are interested and qualified to join us in bringing honor to our research institute.'"
Ursula hesitated. "But Leila, after what happened in the meeting... people might..."
"Do as I say." Leila's gaze swept over her, devoid of any warmth. Ursula immediately fell silent, picking up the phone with trembling fingers and beginning to type.
Soon, a team recruitment message appeared in the institute's internal chat group of nearly three hundred people.
Ursula: [@Everyone Hi all! Leila is hoping to build the strongest team for the international youth medical exchange competition! She says the competition isn't about individual achievement but about the honor of our entire research institute. She hopes to work together with everyone! If you're interested and have the skills, please DM me or contact Leila directly!]
As soon as the message appeared, the previously quiet group suddenly burst into activity.