Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 517: Chapter 517

"This project isn't suitable for me. It's my first time being a supervisor, and I have to be responsible for the future of two students."
Sophie almost asked, "Why two?" Then, she suddenly remembered Mike had said something about working with Mr. Schmidt. She said, "I agree with Ms. Saxon. We just started at Mandino University, and our focus right now should be on our students. We're not planning to take on additional projects for the time being."
Sophie wasn't naive. She could see that Liam's intentions weren't entirely professional. He was obviously using this project as an excuse to pursue Aria.
The project itself was good, but not suitable for their current situation.
Fred hadn't expected someone to turn down such a great opportunity and tried to persuade them, "Don't be so quick to refuse. Taking on this project could also be a great experience for your students."
"How about this? We call the three students in and ask for their opinion. If Ms. Saxon's workload is too heavy, Ms. Morgan could co-lead, and Mr. Schmidt could also step in to guide."
Samuel was getting more annoyed the more he listened. Everyone was focused on Aria and ignored him.
"Mr. Gardner, I..." Samuel started.
"You don't need to speak." Fred interrupted him directly, then turned to instruct another staff member to go call the students.
The office went quiet again. Liam looked at Aria, puzzled. "This project has significant social value. I don't understand why you would turn it down?"
Aria closed her book and said concisely, "It's not suitable for me."
Liam replied, "How is it not suitable? You developed an antiviral inhibitor for the PrP virus. A smart pharmacy quality control system should be easy for you."
Samuel thought, 'That's a bit much.'
Samuel looked at Aria, unconvinced that such a young woman could have achieved such a major research breakthrough.
He was more inclined to believe it was a team effort and that all the credit was unfairly given to her. After all, in academia, people often only remember the first name listed.
He thought Aria was exactly that type.
Liam looked at the coldness in her eyes and felt a strange sense of helplessness. He probed, "Are you rejecting the project because of our past?"
Aria scoffed coldly. "Don't flatter yourself. You're not that important."
She turned to Fred, her tone serious. "Mr. Gardner, I'm starting to doubt the reason you invited me to join Mandino University in the first place."
If she wanted to do research, she could have stayed at Kerano Global Health.
Had it not been for the epidemic in Jamelan and seeing the sincerity and determination in those children's eyes, she wouldn't have changed her mind and come to Mandino University.
This project suited someone else better, but they were pushing it onto her because of Liam. She didn't appreciate this kind of personal entanglement in professional work.
Fred was startled and quickly tried to reassure her, "It's okay if you're too busy for the project, Ms. Saxon. We can ask the students first. If they're interested, they can still get valuable experience from participating."
A few minutes later, the three students came rushing into the office.
"Professor, what's going on?"
Fred explained the situation and subtly emphasized the importance of the project, implying that Aria should take it.
Mike caught the hint and responded directly, "I already have my own research direction. This project is better suited for senior students. I'll pass."
Helen and Larry glanced at each other and replied in unison, "We'll do whatever she asks us to do."
Their emphatic tone startled Fred, who rubbed his nose awkwardly and added, "Once the project is complete, your names will be included. That could really help with grad school applications or job hunting."
Helen remained calm. "Mr. Gardner, we're only in our first year."
Fred kept talking like a broken CPU, but Helen and Larry were completely unresponsive.
Aria looked up. "Mr. Gardner, please don't pressure my students."
Fred's eyelid twitched. He forced a smile and turned to Liam. "Mr. Cole, we have many capable mentors at Mandino University as well."
Liam, still staring at Aria, asked, "So you're really turning it down?"
Aria replied, "I am."
He sighed. "Alright, then. In your opinion, which team at Mandino University is best suited to take it on?"
Having worked with Mandino University before, Heffner Hospital still preferred to collaborate with them.
Aria replied, "Ms. Mandy Worley's team specializes in near-infrared spectroscopy modeling. Last year, they helped Whitmore Hospital solve the issue of turbidity in traditional medicine injections. Her team is very suitable."
She added, "Mr. Chilton's team has a blockchain patent, with five PhDs and seven graduate students. They're also a good fit."
Samuel didn't expect Aria to know his team so well or to advocate for them. He straightened up proudly. "Your professional skills may be lacking, but at least your judgment is sound."
Everyone was stunned after Samuel said Aria's professional skills were lacking.
Liam glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Then let's go with Ms. Worley's team."
Samuel's smile froze. "What? Mr. Cole, may I ask what my team is lacking?"
Liam's tone turned sarcastic. "Mr. Chilton, you said Aria lacks professional competence, but I think she's very capable. Since we don't see eye to eye, it would be hard to cooperate."
Samuel was stunned. "Just because of that?"
"What else?" Mr. Cole retorted.
Samuel never imagined he'd lose such a big project over one careless comment. He blurted, "Is it too late to praise her now?"
Liam's face was expressionless. "Too late."
He looked back at Aria. "If Ms. Worley's team runs into issues, I hope you can provide support."
She sneered coldly. "Have someone else talk to me first. Just seeing you ruins my mood."
That one stabbed him deep. "I was wrong… but we had a misunderstanding…"
"Get out!" Aria snapped, cutting him off.
Still hoping to win the project back, Samuel couldn't help but scold, "Aria, is that how you talk to Mr. Cole?"
Aria fumed. "You can get out too."
Liam decided to play the long game. After all, the collaboration was secured. He could come back later.
"Take care. See you next time." With that, he left.
Seeing the partnership confirmed, Fred finally relaxed. "Ms. Saxon, we won't disturb you further. If you need anything, let me know."
He also left, dragging Samuel with him.
Aria looked at the three students. Her tone softened. "Sorry to make you come all the way here for nothing. I'll treat you to a meal next time. Go ahead and get back to your work."
"Okay," the three students murmured in unison.
On the way out, Mike asked, "You guys really aren't interested in that project?"
Larry replied honestly, "I am, but building a solid foundation is more important. And since Ms. Saxon turned it down, that means it's not right for us right now."
Helen added, "Same here."
Mike nodded. "I heard you went to help during the epidemic too?"
Larry nodded. "Yeah, that's how I got my grad school spot. I'd have started working otherwise."
Mike had been abroad at the time and only learned about the epidemic later.
He already knew Aria was exceptional, but the way Helen and Larry respected her surprised and intrigued him. He was genuinely curious. "Can you tell me what happened during the outbreak?"