After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 42

Aria wiped away a tear, her gaze growing more determined.

***

After leaving, Aria went straight to the research institute where Alden Reaves worked.

The guard remembered her and opened the gate. “Here to see Dr. Reaves again?”

Aria nodded.

“You should probably have Dr. Reaves call down and let us know.”

Aria understood. After all, it wasn't an institute that just anyone could enter.

After she sent a message, the guard’s phone rang. He answered, spoke a few words, and then let her through.

“Thank you for your guidance, Dr. Reaves.”

Hazel, dressed in a white lab coat and holding a stack of documents, respectfully exited the office.

When she turned and saw Aria, she closed the door and her expression darkened. “What are you doing here again?”

“I’m here to see Dr. Reaves.”

Hazel stepped in front of the office door, blocking it. “He’s not seeing anyone right now. You should go home.”

She had no intention of letting Aria in.

She had been eavesdropping at the door yesterday and heard everything. Aria wanted to come back? And it was obvious Dr. Reaves was biased toward her!

Although she had stopped listening when Charles left, afraid of being discovered, Hazel could guess what had happened.

“You almost got someone killed, and you’re still thinking about coming back? Who would dare to hire you? Dr. Reaves was just being polite. Don’t think you’re so great or important!”

As a former classmate, Hazel knew what Aria was capable of. If Aria returned, she would likely be pushed out of the core position she had just managed to secure.

Aria had no idea what Hazel was thinking.

All she knew was that she didn’t want to waste another second. She reached out and pulled Hazel aside. “Get out of the way.”

Hazel lost her balance and was pushed to the ground, her documents scattering everywhere.

“Aria! Did you do that on purpose?!”

At her words, Alden Reaves, wearing his glasses, glanced up at her from over the rims. “I haven’t agreed to let you back in yet.”

Aria blinked. “Dr. Reaves, what you’re reading seems to be the material I sent you…”

Alden calmly set the documents down. “So?”

“Since you’re looking at my research, that must mean it’s feasible, right? Isn’t that enough to prove my abilities?”

“There are plenty of capable people out there. Am I supposed to recruit all of them?”

Aria was taken aback.

“If you want to come back, then at the research conference tomorrow, I expect you to show me what you’ve really got. If you can attract investors, then of course I’ll let you return.”

Funding was the most crucial part of scientific research.

Aria knew this well.

Since Dr. Reaves had made such a promise, Aria’s expression turned serious. “I will definitely earn my place back here!”