---- Chapter 179 The group turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. When Wendy appeared with that calm, composed face -the kind that rarely showed a smile-their expressions instantly shifted to guilt. All except Julian, who even had the nerve to chuckle. "Dr. Sanders, what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside with your buddy?" She glanced at him coolly.

"If [hadn't come out when I did, you'd probably be spreading rumors that Liam and I have a kid together." Julian's smile widened. "Well now, you're the one who said that, not me. A kid, huh? News to me." He turned to the others, his voice rising with faux innocence. " You all heard that, right? Wendy just said she and Dr. Harrison He didn't get to finish. Wendy stepped forward, raised her hand, and slapped him hard across the face.

Julian didn't even register her movement -he only felt a sudden sting on his cheek and heard the sharp crack ofa slap. Stunned, he turned to look at Wendy. 'The others around them gasped in shock and instinctively ---- took a step back, as if afraid she might start handing out slaps to all of them. "Julian, I've let your little jabs slide again and again-not because I'm scared of you." Her eyes locked onto him.

"I warned you last time that if you said anything like that again, I wouldn't let it go. 1 won't stand by and let you slander me like that!" Julian snapped , "You just hit me! Who the hell do you think you are?" Veins bulged on his forehead, rage flashing in his eyes. "You know why Thit you," she scoffed, pulling out her phone. "And lucky for me, this hotel's got security cams.

I'll send the footage to the entire committee group chat." It was one thing to gossip within a clique, but if the whole research panel saw the truth, how would they look at him? Besides, Nathaniel wouldn't even trust him anymore. At that thought, his eyes widened, and he reached out, trying to snatch Wendy's phone. But she was ready and stepped back. "What's the matter, Julian ? Getting nervous ?

You sure weren't this jumpy when you were running your mouth a minute ago." She gave a humorless laugh. "Before I hit send, maybe I'll ask Dr. Quinn what he thinks." "You wouldn't dare!" Julian barked and lunged at her. ---- Wendy had no intention of letting him get close, but he moved fast, and she was wearing heels. She staggered slightly, caught off guard. The people nearby were startled by the commotion. One of them quickly said, "Dr. Sanders, maybe just let it go. When Dr.

Drake loses his temper, no one can talk him down." Wendy shot them a cold glance. "Funny. I didn't hear a single one of you trying to stop him when he was running his mouth just now. So he can throw a fit and no one says a word, but when I'm the angry one, suddenly you want to step in? "You really think he's the only one with a say in this? None of you are off the hook." 'The group exchanged uneasy looks, their expressions growing more awkward by the second. "Come on, Wendy.

There's no need to make things so ugly." "Yeah. We're all part of the same research team. We'll still have to work together." By now, Wendy has been backed into a corner by Julian. None of them had stepped in to stop him-in fact, it almost felt like they were helping him corner her. "Well, we don't have to work together. This whole conference revolves around Wendy. Who the hell do you think you are?" Suddenly , a voice rang out.

The moment the words dropped, Liam stepped forward and pulled Wendy behind him. At the sight of him, Julian froze in his tracks.