Chapter 166
Chapter 166
With the release of the protease inhibitors, every major corporation in Erenoland publicly pledged to offer free collaboration channels whenever Professor Colton needed themt
Liam grabbed Hannah’s hand, his voice trembling with excitement. “Hannah, I can’t believe you’re Professor Colton! Your name wasn’t even on the protease inhibitors paper. I actually sent a complaint letter to Kerano Global Health about it. I’ll withdraw it the moment we get back.”
Joining Kerano Global Health must have taken tremendous effort.
Whatever respect Martin had for Hannah was now completely gone.
Albert had always assumed that Professor Colton was Hannah, but now he wasn’t so sure. He turned to Martin and asked, “Mr. Schmidt, you said Professor Colton declined Mandino University’s invitation. So it’s not Hannah, is it?”
Hearing this, Hannah’s heart leapt into her throat. It turned out Martin actually knew who Professor Colton was all along.
Hannah pressed a hand to her racing heart and blurted out, “Of course, it’s not me! Professor Clinton, I’m bound by a confidentiality agreement and can’t reveal who Professor Colton is. I thought you were inviting me. It turns out it was just a misunderstanding.”
The crowd’s admiring gazes instantly turned to contempt.
Someone in the crowd scoffed, “Wait, if she’s not Professor Colton, then what exactly was she trying so hard to deny just now?”
Someone in the crowd scoffed, “She only denied it after Professor Clinton said Professor Colton turned down Mandino University’s invitation. What does that tell you?”
The jeering voices pierced through Hannah, sending a throbbing pain through her head and making her cheeks flush with shame. She lowered her gaze and blurted out, her voice trembling, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Schmidt. It’s my fault for not explaining sooner and causing this misunderstanding.”
Martin gave a cryptic chuckle. “Ms. Gibson, do be more precise with your words next time. We wouldn’t want any misunderstandings.”
He added, “See? Professor Clinton got the wrong idea.”
Albert’s face flushed with embarrassment, his gaze toward Hannah now devoid of its previous fatherly warmth.
All it took was a simple “I’m not,” but she had to be deliberately vague.
Hannah hurriedly responded, “Yes,” though a flash of resentment flickered in her lowered gaze.
Under the lights, Liam’s expression darkened. He stared at Hannah, his eyes flickering with shock and suspicion.
Just like everyone else, Liam wondered. ‘Why hadn’t Hannah denied it immediately?‘
Even he got it wrong.
‘She knew who Professor Colton is all along? Then why did she never tell me?‘ Liam wondered.
Martin took a couple of steps aside and presented Aria with the rare historical manuscript donated by Owen. “Ms. Saxon, I’ve heard of your passion for reading. I’d like you to have this rare manuscript.”
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Hannah’s forced smile froze on her face.
She had her eye on this book, assuming Martin would win the auction for her. That’s why she didn’t place any further bids.
But, he actually gave it to Aria.
“Why, of all people, did he give it to Aria?” Hannah grumbled.
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Chapter 166
An unbelievable thought flashed through her mind. She pursed her lips, refusing to accept it. “He way. I must be overthinking this
Aria had heard of Martin, but she’d never met him. She’d just found out he was the elderly man in the security booth who get emotional wenching TV
dramas.
She knew Martin wanted to invite her to Manding University,
But she was afraid she wasn’t suited to be an advisor.
Aria accepted the rare manuscript with a gentle smile. “Mr. Schmidt, would you like a replica painting by Morio? You may choose any plece you prefer.”
Refusing an elder’s gift directly would be impolite, so she chose to offer something in return.
Martin understood her intention, but he still persisted. “Ms. Saxon, please reconsider. You may choose to supervise either master’s or PhD students, whichever you prefer.”
The moment those words were spoken, the whole room erupted in an uproar.
“Mr. Schmidt invited Aria? So she’s Professor Colton?”
“No way! This is straight out of a drama!”
The discussion didn’t faze Aria at all. She smiled and quipped, “Mr. Schmidt, I’m good at fighting, but teaching is not really my thing”
Martin chuckled, making his point without pressing further. “You’re just too modest and low–key. That’s why everyone thinks they can take what’s rightfully yours.”
The realization finally dawned on everyone present.
Aria really was Professor Colton.
“Wow, the Saxons must be kicking a big hit now,” someone in the crowd muttered.
