---- Chapter 109 Gregory's remarks stirred confidence in everyone present, and the meeting came to a close. After packing her things, Wendy walked out of the conference room with Gregory. Joining them were Nathaniel and Dylan. Gregory stopped and introduced Wendy to the two who hadn't been at the hospital that morning. "T've heard of Dr. Sanders for quite some time. Meeting her today, I can tell that she really is a young talent.

If she were my student , I'd be keeping her under wraps like a treasure , too," Nathaniel joked. Standing beside him was a woman in her early 30s, dressed simply and modestly. She appeared to be his student. Dylan smiled and offered a few words of praise for Wendy. "She's ten years younger than Julian and already this capable. Gregory, I'm truly envious.

Your research has a bright future with her around." Unlike Nathaniel's student, the man standing behind Dylan looked sullen and didn't appear to agree with anything his mentor had said. It was obvious the compliment was made in jest, but Julian Drake gave no one any courtesy, his demeanor unyielding. ---- Dylan didn't notice, and the other seniors continued chatting among themselves, not paying attention to what was happening nearby. Wendy lifted her eyes and met Julian's cold, steady gaze.

She pursed her lips, then offered him a polite smile. Julian paused slightly before giving her a brief nod in return. "They're all young. Even without our introduction , I'm sure they'll get to know each other quickly ," one of the mentors remarked as they walked ahead. The younger group followed just behind. Nathaniel's student was Elena Harper. She was 32 this year and three years older than Wendy. Julian was 36 but looked slightly younger than his age.

Wendy walked in the middle, listening as Elena spoke. "T've heard about you for a while, but never had the chance to meet you. Now I finally get to. Wendy, you're amazing. If we get the chance, [hope you'll teach me a few things." Elena's face was warm and friendly as she looked at her. Wendy nodded without hesitation. "Of course. Anything I know, I'll gladly share.

But you'll have to teach mea few things too, Elena." She wasn't overly humble because of her age, nor did she act arrogant despite her capabilities. ---- Elena liked her right away. But Julian, on her right, seemed to feel differently. As Wendy spoke to Elena, she could faintly hear him scoffing quietly under his breath. Outwardly, Julian remained courteous, but it was clear he looked down on Wendy. She picked up on it easily-from his gaze, his posture, and the way he held himself around her.

There was condescension and even disdain. "Julian, don't try to steal Wendy from me." Elena, sensing the strange tension in the room, brought up Julian deliberately in an attempt to ease the awkwardness. "Relax. I'm not interested in taking her from you." It was clear they already knew each other. Julian gave her just enough courtesy to acknowledge her, but his tone still carried a distinct trace of contempt. Wendy remained silent.

Not because she was afraid to respond, but because she didn't want to make things difficult for the seniors present. She chose to protect Gregory's reputation instead. She was young, and it wasn't unusual for her to attract admiration from the seniors-something that inevitably drew resentment from others. Wendy understood this all too well. From childhood until ---- now, she had long grown used to the kind of look Julian was giving her.