Cold husband burning regret

Regret 176 Tricia had spent six years abroad, and her fluency in foreign languages was nothing short of impressive. She accepted the group's compliments without a hint of modesty.

Her eyes flicked toward Charlotte in the crowd, chin tilting upward ever so slightly, as if to say: Even if your background is ordinary, a prestigious degree from overseas will always trump whatever you have.

Besides, Professor Aldridge was from Montovia, and she was certain she commanded more of his attention than anyone else present.

Genevieve didn't know the first thing about neurosurgery, but hearing everyone heap praise on Tricia left her with a certain awe in her eyes. "See, didn't I tell you Tricia's brilliant?" she said to her brother.

She couldn't resist a scornful glance at Charlotte. "Unlike speople, who just take up space and accomplish nothing." Charlotte ignored her.

Tricia noticed and smiled sweetly. "Genevieve, don't say that. Everyone has their strengths. Dr. Sterling is the best neurosurgeon here-she probably knows as much as I do, if not more." Genevieve scoffed. "She's just an ordinary undergrad, probably can't even speak a second language. She's nowhere near as accomplished as you, Tricia." She'd made up her mind about Charlotte-nothing about her was worth respecting.

Wesley looked grim. He couldn't explain it, but every tsomeone put Charlotte down, it irritated him.

He glanced at Evander, who stood silent and aloof. Was this really the man Charlotte called her husband? Right now, he seemed almost pained by how the Howard family treated her.

An assistant approached Professor Aldridge and murmured something in his ear. The professor's face, which had been lit with anticipation, fell with disappointment. "Miss, you're clearly well-versed in neural stem cell transplantation," he said to Tricia, “but the features you described were published in the academic community over ten years ago. I wonder if you've read that paper." Tricia's expression froze for a moment.

1/5 14-47 Chapter 176 Of course she knew the paper. When it first appeared, the medical field barely noticed it-it was so obscure, hardly anyone ever mentioned it.

She never imagined someone here would bring it up.

But it had been ten years. Professor Aldridge, now a leading figure in the field, must have recognized its value later on; if the original author cared, they would've stepped forward by now.

Maybe the author never realized their work would one day earn Professor Aldridge's approval.

Tricia lowered her gaze, smiling demurely. "I didn't expect you'd know that paper, Professor. I'm honored." "Was that your work?" Professor Aldridge asked, surprised.

Tricia tucked her long hair behind her ear. She didn't answer directly, but her silence said enough.

As everyone marveled at Tricia's credentials, a sudden, discordant little snort broke the reverent mood.

All eyes turned to Charlotte.

Even Evander looked at her, frowning slightly. She had never smiled like that in front of him.

"Charlotte, what's so funny?" Genevieve shot her a glare.

Charlotte crossed her arms, unfazed. "Sorry, I just couldn't help myself." She met Tricia's gaze, one eyebrow arching. "So, this ten-year-old paper was really written by Miss Winthrop?" Tricia stiffened, quietly digging her nails into her palm.

What did she mean by that? Was she challenging her? But the paper in question had been published anonymously. Unless the real author stepped forward, no one would ever know. And if they did, she could settle things with money, if it cto that.

"Dr. Sterling, I did publish a paper on neural stem cell transplantation in Annals of Medicine ten years ago," Tricia replied smoothly, her words measured and credible. "My ideas were just too advanced at the time, which is why they weren't accepted." Genevieve snorted, not caring for diplomacy. "You're just jealous that Tricia's in the spotlight, aren't you? She has a master's from overseas-how could you possibly 2/2 14 17: Chapter 176 measure up?"

"A master's who's barely seen a patient? How could I possibly compare?" Charlotte's tone was even. "I'm just curious-since the paper was published anonymously, anyone who's read it would know what's in it. But how can anyone be sure the author is really who they claim?" Genevieve rolled her eyes. "What, like you'd know?" Charlotte only smiled faintly.

She knew all too well. When she'd submitted that paper, she'd shown it to her mentor first.

If her mentor were here now, there'd probably be a shouting match.

Professor Aldridge was about to speak, but Evander spoke first, his voice calm and unhurried as he m switched to French. "We shouldn't waste tonight's gathering discussing an anonymous paper. Besides, to recall its details after ten years-could that really be just luck and coincidence?" Charlotte tensed almost imperceptibly, her face darkening for a split second.

Evander's words seemed to reassure Tricia, who basked in the sense of his approval.

Genevieve, too, shot Charlotte a m taunting look and said in French, "Told you she can't understand foreign language. If she could, she would've jumped in to contradict Tricia earlier." How could someone who didn't even speak another language have anything to do with that paper? Tricia's eyes danced with satisfaction. She almost felt sorry for Charlotte.

Really, Charlotte never should have tried to compete with her in the first place.