“Oh, okay,” Melody replied.


    N looked away, her expression calm. “Let’s go.”


    Even after they left the venue, Melody remained visibly excited. N, thank you so much for today! After listening to the conference, I’m even more determined to pursue a career in drug research.”


    Seeing Melody’s flushed cheeks and bright, sparkling eyes, N couldn’t help but smile. “What made you suddenly think of this?”


    Previously, when their experiments kept failing, Melody had been noticeably down for a few days, feeling frustrated. N had feared she might give up, but Melody persisted and now seemed even moremitted to this path.


    “I heard Caroline say that their experiments failed over a thousand times, but they still kept going. I think that’s amazing. I want to be like them–standing up there someday, sharing my experiences,” Melody gushed.


    She looked a little embarrassed at this point. “I’ve never really stuck with anything before. Now I want tomit to drug research.”


    N nodded. “As long as you’ve thought it through.”


    “N, let me treat you to lunchter as a thank–you for bringing me to the conference,” Melody offered.


    “No need. I have another appointment,” N declined.


    “Okay, then,” Melody conceded.


    After Melody left, N went straight to the parking lot to wait for Caroline in her car.


    +25


    It took more than half an hour for Caroline and Damon’s group to finish their conversation at the venue.


    As Caroline walked to the parking lot, texting N, she unexpectedly ran into Damon’s group again at the elevator.


    Reba spoke gently with a smile. “Ms. Lovell, we’re heading out for lunch. If you’re free, would you like to join <b>us</b>?”


    After reading N’s message, Caroline put away her phone and looked at Reba. “Thanks for the invitation, Ms. Austen, but I already have ns for lunch.”


    A sh of disappointment crossed Reba’s face, as if she regretted missing out. “Oh, that’s too bad. I was hoping to chat with you more. I feel like we get along and would like to be friends.”


    Caroline didn’t believe Reba genuinely wanted to be friends. Her real motive was likely that Caroline’s drug research might help with


    her illness.


    “I’m usually busy with experiments, but if you need anything, you can always message me. I’ll reply when I can,” Caroline said.


    “I will<b>, </b>as long as I’m not bothering you,” Reba replied.


    “Not at all,” Caroline assured her.


    As they spoke, the elevator arrived. They all stepped inside, and Caroline pressed the button for the basement level.


    Reba continued chatting with Caroline about drug development.


    Soon, the elevator doors opened again.


    Reba’s smile froze when she saw the person standing outside. N?velDrama.Org owns this text.


    N hadn’t expected Caroline to be with Damon and the others, and surprise shed in her eyes. However, she quickly regained herposure.


    Damon, who had been wearing an indifferent expression, was about to say something when Caroline walked over to N.


    “N, have you been waiting long?” Caroline asked.


    N smiled and shook her head. “Not at all. Shall we go?”


    “Sure,” Caroline <b>said</b>, turning back to Damon and his group. “Mr. Sumner, Mr. Preston, Ms. Austen, I’ll be going now. Maybe we can have lunch together some other time.”


    Before Damon could respond, Reba spoke slowly. “Ms. Lovell, I didn’t know you knew Ms. Jayston.


    Caroline paused for a moment. “N is my junior from university. We’re pretty close. Why? Do you know each other?”


    Reba’s smile <b>was </b>slightly forced, her gaze holding a hint of something unreadable. “Well… not really.”