Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid

Chapter 145: Chapter 145 Samantha’s New Ambition

Leo showed no sign of rejection, which delighted Samantha.

She had originally thought that, after the incident involving Mike and Rose’s pediatric clinical trial, Leo might have some reservations about her. She hadn’t expected him to be so open-minded.

It only reinforced her belief that he evaluated people objectively and fairly based on their abilities.

"Director Byrne, I’ll do my best not to disappoint you," Samantha said confidently, her smile warm and sincere.

Anyone who saw her would be charmed by her cheerful and gracious demeanor.

Leo adjusted his glasses once again.

But he didn’t say a word.

After all, once someone met the qualifications, applying for a doctoral program was a personal choice. Naturally, he wasn’t going to refuse outright.

As Leo prepared to leave, he cast a subtle glance at Ryan, who had quietly stepped aside, avoiding the spotlight and giving Samantha center stage.

Such a brilliant and exceptionally talented young woman—and yet he was completely blind when it came to relationships.

Rose was beautiful, gifted, and extraordinary.

He ignored the finest feast before his and instead insisted on digging through scraps as though they were priceless treasures.

Ryan naturally noticed the complicated look Leo gave him before leaving.

Oliver frowned in confusion.

"Dean Byrne seems to have something against you. Did he just glare at you?"

For a moment, he wondered if he had imagined it.

After all, Leo Byrne was famous for his calm temperament. Regardless of status or background, he never put on airs or lost his composure.

"Did he?" Ryan raised an eyebrow, looking completely unconcerned.

Oliver shook his head.

"I must’ve seen it wrong."

Who among the older generation wouldn’t admire someone like Ryan?

Most of them would happily marry their daughters into his family if they had the chance.

The Knights in the North and the Robinsons in the South—Ryan and Trevor were among the most sought-after marriage prospects in their circles.

"Dean Byrne is actually quite nice. He doesn’t hold grudges over past misunderstandings," Samantha said cheerfully, unable to resist speaking up for him.

She believed Dean Byrne had excellent judgment.

He recognized her potential.

As for Dr. Nathan, he was simply too high up in the field to accurately recognize emerging talent.

Oliver smiled. "That’s because he admires you. Who wouldn’t want a student capable of carrying on their legacy? I’d guess Dean Byrne has already accepted you in his mind—he’s just waiting for your application."

As he spoke, he glanced at Rose, who had quietly slipped away, clearly uninterested in listening to Samantha’s self-congratulatory remarks.

He let out a dismissive snort.

"She knows she’s embarrassed herself, so she’s making a quick exit."

Samantha glanced over and laughed softly behind her hand.

"It doesn’t matter. This isn’t really a conversation outsiders can contribute to."

As she spoke, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. Turning toward Ryan, she asked, "Ryan, I need to start preparing my application materials. Will you help me today?"

A faint smile appeared on Ryan’s lips.

"Of course."

*****

As Caleb turned around, he happened to witness the entire exchange.

He shrugged. "That’s actually pretty funny. Do they really think my dad enjoys handing out favors? Every year, he personally selects the very best candidates from across the country. Even if Samantha beats out everyone else, won’t she still have to call you ’Professor’?"

Rose picked up a brochure from one of the pharmaceutical companies and skimmed through it as she replied, "I don’t think she’s interested in doing real research. She’s probably after Dean Byrne’s reputation and the platform Peace Medical Center can provide."

"I’d bet you’ll end up being one of her interviewers. That would be entertaining."

Caleb knew exactly what she meant and chuckled.

Those people had been showing off the entire time, and Samantha could barely hide her smugness.

Who would end up losing face remained to be seen.

Rose considered it for a moment.

It was certainly possible.

But there was no point thinking about it now.

Partway through the summit, she headed to the restroom.

By sheer coincidence, she ran into Samantha again.

Samantha was washing her hands. Without even looking up, she smiled and said, "I’ll give you a piece of advice. I know you hate me. When people are consumed by insecurity and self-doubt, they often act irrationally. That’s why you tried to slander me in front of Dean Byrne."

She turned off the faucet and continued calmly, "I’m applying to become Dean Byrne’s student, so I hope you’ll be more careful with your words and actions around him in the future. In return, if Dean Byrne later approaches my team’s experts regarding the Aetheris Medical AI Medicine Database as a gesture of goodwill, I’ll agree to let you remain on the project team. It’s a win-win situation."

Rose slowed as she dried her hands. "Are you drunk?"

She looked genuinely puzzled. "Why are you suddenly talking nonsense?"

As if G.S. would keep begging Samantha to let those foreign experts join their project.

And when had she ever agreed to hand over her database?

Where exactly was Samantha getting all this confidence?

Assuming Rose was merely trying to save face, Samantha curled her lips dismissively.

"Rose, if you can’t win a man’s heart, then you should know when to step aside. But don’t let a temporary emotional outburst destroy your entire career."

With that, she walked past her.

She had genuinely worried that Rose’s jealousy would drive her to say something inappropriate to Dean Byrne.

After all, she cared deeply about what he thought of her.

Rose: "..."

For a brief moment, she seriously considered prescribing Samantha a course of psychiatric medication.

When Samantha stepped outside, she spotted James approaching from a distance.

The summit had been organized by the Taylor family.

James was unquestionably the center of attention.

Smiling, she raised a hand in greeting.

"Mr. Taylor."

She was certain James would come over and speak with her first.

James paused briefly.

But he didn’t even look in her direction.

Instead, he headed straight toward the far corner of the hall.

Samantha froze.

Then she hurried after him.

To her disbelief, James walked directly up to Rose in full view of everyone present.

The utterly unexpected sight erased the smile from Samantha’s face in an instant.