---- Chapter 177 Nathaniel had clearly had enough. He stood up to smooth things over. "Julian didn't mean it like that," he said. Though he was technically defending Julian, the warning in his eyes made it clear he wasn't pleased. Julian lowered his gaze and didn't say another word. Liam nodded politely at Nathaniel, his tone steady and respectful. "Then we'll go with what Dr. Quinn says. Since you're Dr.

Drake's mentor, if there's anything that needs reporting, it should go to you." Nathaniel's mouth twitched. "No, no need for that. You two are the backbone of this whole thing. If Ms. Hurst's treatment succeeds, the rest of us just get to ride the wave. And if it fails, it won't be on us. Honestly, if anyone needs to report anything, it's the smaller teams reporting to you two." Liam finally relaxed a little.

Nathaniel was a senior figure - no matter how angry Liam might've been on Wendy's behalf, he wasn't about to make things awkward for Nathaniel in front of everyone. The tension had already shifted. Everyone could see Julian was the one stirring the pot, and that was enough. Gregory chimed in with a light laugh, "That's what it's like when you're young-one wrong word and boom, full-blown ---- argument. "Nathaniel, remember back when we were in med school?

You couldn't stand me, and I couldn't stand you. Look at us now- still thick as thieves in old age." Nathaniel chuckled. "Exactly. Julian, you've gotta learn to let the little stuff go. Most of it's not even a real issue anyway..." When confronted by Nathaniel, Julian dropped his sharp attitude and quietly apologized, "I'm sorry, Dr. Quinn." With things finally settled, Wendy continued with her presentation. At least now, no one else seemed out to nitpick her work.

Even when others chimed in, it was for honest discussion, not to cause trouble. By the time the meeting wrapped up, Wendy's legs were practically trembling. Once everyone had cleared out, she sank into her chair and took a long sip of water. Liam was nearby, silently organizing the stack of disordered reports. When Gregory came back in and saw the scene, he chuckled.

" Looks like Wendy's the mentor here and you're the student." Wendy looked up, just in time to see Liam turning off the projector. She flushed a little. "T said we'd clean up together after a quick break. You finished everything already?" she asked Liam. ---- Liam turned the lights back on and said casually, "It's no big deal. It wasn't much work anyway.

You're the one who looked exhausted during that whole presentation." Then he turned to Gregory and said, "I just started my job here, and Wendy's been walking me through everything. Calling her my mentor isn't exactly a stretch." Gregory's smile deepened. "You're smooth, I'll give you that." Wendy stood up, ready to leave, but Gregory stopped her and said, "Hold on, Iwanted to have a quick word with you." Liam caught the cue and stepped out.

Once the office door closed and it was just the two of them, Gregory's tone turned gentle and serious as he asked, " There's something I've been meaning to ask you." Wendy nodded. "Of course. Go ahead." "Are you... divorced?" he asked carefully. She paused for half a second before answering. "Did you hear something recently?" Gregory didn't respond , but she went on. "Whether I am or not, I want to be clear -nothing is going on between me and Liam.

We're just colleagues." He gently patted Wendy's shoulder and spoke in a soft voice. " I didn't ask because of rumors," he said softly. And T wouldn't believe that kind of gossip anyway. I've wanted to ask you ever since you agreed to that fellowship last time."