After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 255

As the group settled into their seats, Aria listened to their conversation and finally understood why the government placed such heavy importance on this trial.

Ever since the Marquen Realm's previous conspiracy regarding a targeted virus had been exposed, the nation recognized its critical vulnerabilities in that field.

If the Marquen Realm tried something like that again, it would be devastating. That was why they needed to strike first. Curing the genetic disease wasn't just about saving lives.

It was about gaining absolute leverage, grabbing the Marquen Realm by the throat so they wouldn't dare pull another stunt.

Combined with the introduction of AI technology, this was far more than medical research—it was a covert military arms race.

Whoever conquered the genetic disease first held all the power.

Aria fully grasped the massive stakes involved.

Raphael sat perfectly positioned between Aria and Samuel, his broad shoulders subtly shielding Aria's slender frame.

Every time Samuel tried to sneak a glance at her, all he saw was Raphael sitting there like an immovable mountain.

He couldn't catch a single glimpse of Aria.

Even after dinner, whenever Samuel tried to strike up a conversation with her, Raphael effortlessly intercepted every word.

Watching this unfold, Nathaniel was practically fuming in his seat.

His useless son couldn't even manage a simple flirtation!

"Aria!" Nathaniel called out, taking matters into his own hands. "Since you and Samuel are going to be on the same team, why don't you exchange contact info?"

"Sure." Aria pulled out her phone and brought up her QR code. "You can scan me."

Samuel nodded frantically, his face flushing red. He had a clean, handsome, scholarly look to him.

"Ms. Rowan, is it alright if I call you Aria?

"I think I'm older than you. I'm twenty-seven and single. I've been completely devoted to AI tech, so I've never been in a relationship and haven't really interacted with women much.

"If I offend you in any way, I sincerely apologize in advance!"

He babbled the entire paragraph without pausing for breath, leaving Aria completely bewildered.

This was an introduction for a research team, not a blind date. Why was he giving her a full dating profile?

"That's fine. Please don't be so tense. We're all colleagues from now on."

It clearly stated that he and Aria were completely platonic, but that his intentions toward her weren't entirely innocent.

If word got out, people would talk about Raphael chasing her, rather than painting Aria in a scandalous light.

"Dr. Reaves, I'll take Aria home now. She's not very mobile right now. Goodbye."

Raphael said his farewells to the three older men, then finally looked at Samuel.

"Goodbye."

...Aria.

Aria's face burned even hotter.

As they got into the car, she looked away in embarrassment. "Earlier... you were calling me Ms. Rowan, weren't you?"

"But you just gave him permission to call you by your first name. If I don't upgrade, how am I any different?"

Raphael looked at her bright red ears, his eyes brimming with amusement.

"Do you not like me calling you Aria? Or do you think I should be kept at the exact same distance as Samuel Kersey?"