---- Chapter 239 At the most relaxed moment of the banquet, Julian walked up to Wendy holding his wine glass. "Dr. Sanders , I've been overly critical of you before , caused you trouble , and even said some harsh things. Tonight, I'm drinking this glass as a way to apologize. I hope you can forgive me." Wendy looked up at him cautiously and replied, "Dr. Drake, what is this about? Are you sure you haven't had too much to drink?" Without hesitation, Julian downed the glass in one gulp.

"Maybe I have," he admitted, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at her. "I'm jealous of your talent. When I was still worried about tuition fees, you had the chance to study abroad under Professor Griffin." Wendy frowned slightly but stayed silent. "Still, I know jealousy won't help. You're better than me, whether I like it or not," he said, letting out a bitter laugh before pouring another shot into her empty cup. "Dr. Sanders, I'm sincerely apologizing this time.

If you can forgive my past mistakes , that would be great. If not, please don't refuse me the chance to learn from you." After saying that, he suddenly bowed to her. ---- Everyone nearby turned to watch. Nathaniel clicked his tongue. "Julian, if you want to apologize, do it when you're sober. Look at you. I honestly don't even know what to say!" Gregory, however , smiled approvingly . "Let the young ones handle their affairs.

The fact that Julian can admit his shortcomings in front of everyone already puts him ahead of many." To everyone else, Julian's apology seemed genuine and heartfelt. However, Wendy wasn't convinced. She suspected someone like Julian, who never gave up until he got what he wanted, wouldn't apologize this easily just because she was recognized for her surgery preparation. Besides , his words didn't sound like an apology.

It felt more like a complaint that she had access to better resources , and he didn't, which was why he couldn't measure up. She hoped she was just overthinking. She did not want to interpret Julian's intentions in a negative light. But the truth was more complicated. Ifshe hadn't caught the faint, cold smirk flashing in Julian's eyes when he glanced up, she might have believed him. With so many people watching, she knew he was deliberately putting her on a pedestal.

---- If she refused this drink, he wouldn't let it go so easily. Wendy had neither the mood nor energy to deal with Julian's antics lately, so with a hesitant heart, she lowered her gaze and drank the wine he poured for her. Just as the glass touched her lips, Liam's hand gently grabbed her wrist. "If you don't want to drink, you don't have to." His voice was soft and warm, brushing past her ear like a gentle breeze. Instead of feeling pressured, Wendy felt stronger.

She pushed his hand away and said, "It's fine. I can have one more drink." She finished the glass and looked at Julian. "Your jealousy and pettiness are your own issues. Whether I forgive you is my business. But don't worry. I'm the last person to hold grudges. As long as you truly want to learn, I won't refuse you." Julian lowered his eyes, hiding the harshness and disdain flickering there, and nodded. "Thank you, Dr.

Sanders." After finishing the glass, he returned to his seat, and the conversations resumed. Wendy leaned back, feeling a bit dizzy, and closed her eyes momentarily. Liam asked, "Do you want to go rest somewhere nearby?" She shook her head. "I'm fine. I just want to get some fresh air. You go keep Gregory company."