Chapter 12

Gabriel shared some recent collaborations of the research institute with Julia. "So, here's the scoop. I just nailed down a partnership with a pharmaceutical supplier. Once we sign the contract, things around here should get back to normal."

"When's the signing? Is it scheduled?" Julia asked.

"The day after tomorrow, in the afternoon."

Julia still looked puzzled.

Gabriel continued, "I know you're wondering why we didn't do this sooner. Let me break it down for you. The situation in Neoville is tricky: all the medicinal herbs are controlled by big suppliers. We're the new kids on the block, so we haven't made a name for ourselves yet. The local suppliers have been gouging us, hiking up prices like crazy. That's why it took so long to seal the deal."

His previous job was all about research.

Dealing with these suppliers in Neoville turned out to be way tougher than he had expected.

Julia could imagine the challenges he had faced.

There were too many similar situations abroad.

"Thanks for all your hard work," she said sincerely, her expression softening.

Gabriel smiled. "It's part of the gig. There's no easy day in research."

Julia thought for a moment and said, "I'll go with you to the signing the day after tomorrow. Today, show me all the institute's collaborations. I need to get to know everyone since I'm new here."

"Sure, once the time is set, you'll be the first to know."

Julia nodded and then returned to her office.

She planned to familiarize herself with the work environment and had already opened her laptop.

But Gabriel hadn't left yet.

He was still standing a short distance away, watching her.

Julia looked up, frowning slightly. "Anything else?"

"Nothing work-related," Gabriel said with a charming smile. "Since it's your first day, we want you to feel welcome. We've arranged a little get-together."

Julia agreed immediately, flashing a polite smile. "I'm new here, so of course, I'll join. I'll treat. You pick the place."

Gabriel, seeing her agreement, didn't say much more.

He knew Julia's personality well; it didn't matter who was paying.

Satisfied with her response, he turned to leave.

As he walked away, he glanced back at Julia, but she was too engrossed in her work to notice.

After looking at some documents for a while, Julia's eyes started to hurt.

She took a short break and called Caroline to ask her to pick up Joseph and Stephen.

Before she knew it, it was time to leave work.

Gabriel arrived punctually and knocked on her door.

Julia tidied up her office and replied, "I am coming."

The two of them left the research institute and headed to the restaurant.

Gabriel had good taste, no doubt about it.

The restaurant looked like a place ordinary people couldn't afford.

It was situated by the sea, giving the impression of being on the water. The three-story building made of glass had a futuristic feel.

The restaurant, called Opulence Dining, looked like a five-star establishment.

Following the valet's instructions, Gabriel parked the car and walked into Opulence Dining with Julia, chatting and laughing.

At the same time, a Rolls-Royce parked opposite Gabriel's car.

Asher's white gloves stood out in the night.

He opened the back door and respectfully said, "Mr. Hearst, we've arrived."

Henry, dressed in a black suit, stepped out, his cold eyes briefly scanning the restaurant.

Through the car window, he had seen a figure that looked very much like Julia.

Was it because Tiffany was becoming more rebellious that he kept thinking of the Julia he despised, imagining her everywhere?

Had he mistaken someone else for her again?

"We're twenty minutes late for our appointment. The client must be getting impatient," Asher cautiously reminded Henry.

Henry snapped out of his thoughts, nodded, and entered Opulence Dining.

When Julia arrived at their reserved private room, all the research institute staff were there.

The main seat was empty, clearly reserved for her.

Gabriel made a gesture for her to sit, and she took the main seat, with Gabriel sitting beside her, introducing her.

"This is Julia Kennedy; everyone met her earlier today. You might not know her by her local name because she's made a name for herself abroad." Gabriel's humorous introduction piqued everyone's curiosity.

"What's Dr. Kennedy's name abroad?" someone asked.

"Why don't you guess?" Gabriel teased.

Seeing their puzzled faces, Julia stood up and introduced herself, "No need to keep them guessing. I don't have much fame anyway." She smiled modestly. "Hello, everyone. My local name is Julia, but abroad, I'm known as Jean Watson."

"You're Jean?" Everyone was stunned, their expressions shifting from surprise to admiration.

Few knew the name Julia, but everyone knew Jean Watson!

Jean had achieved remarkable success in the medical field at a young age, hailed by Nelson as a talent.

They had always assumed Jean was a man.

Seeing her in person left them in awe.

"Am I dreaming? Are you really Jean? I'm a huge fan! I've read every one of your medical papers."

"Me too! I never thought I'd get to work with Jean. I want to call my parents and tell them I've made it!"

Julia was silent.

Her future colleagues were truly endearing.

"Thank you for your kind words. Since I'm back, let's work hard together." She raised her glass for a toast.

Everyone followed suit, toasting with her.

Julia was warm and approachable, without any sense of superiority.

This made them feel close to their idol, increasing their admiration for her.

Julia was toasted several times, feeling a bit tipsy. Gabriel, worried she might drink too much, helped her by taking a few drinks on her behalf.

She gave him a grateful look and went to the restroom.

To clear her head, she splashed some cold water on her face, the cool sensation helping to counter the heat from the alcohol.