Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Awakened Potential

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Just then, Thomas rapped his knuckles on the podium, signaling the end of the discussion time. The classroom immediately fell silent.

His eyes swept across the room before finally settling on Scarlett. “You seem unfamiliar. Please stand and answer the question.”

Scarlett’s heart leaped into her throat at being called upon. Here she was, someone who hadn’t even pursued graduate studies, sitting in a classroom full of PhD candidates-how could she not be nervous?

Yet under Thomas’ authoritative gaze, she rose to her feet.

“Your name?” he inquired.

Nervousness made her palms damp. “Scarlett.”

Thomas began scanning the attendance sheet, his finger moving down the list until he finally looked up with a frown. “There’s no Scarlett registered here!”

Nolan spoke up then, “Thomas, Scarlett is here as my guest. She has long admired your work and hoped to attend one of your lectures.”

Closing the attendance sheet with a definitive snap, Thomas shot Nolan a look of clear disapproval. “This is an academic classroom, not some casual gathering where one can bring whomever they please.”

His remark, while directed at Nolan, clearly included Sabrina in its implication—a formal lecture being repeatedly interrupted by unregistered attendees clearly displeased him.

Seeing Thomas’ stern expression, Nolan knew better than to offer further explanation.

Scarlett understood she had overstepped, but this was a precious opportunity she couldn’t bear to waste. Taking a steadying breath, she began to articulate her approach to the medical dilemma.

Her response was remarkably comprehensive, addressing nearly every possible scenario. She systematically compared different types of acute abdominal conditions, assessed their respective risks, and outlined appropriate management strategies for each.

Where Thomas’ expression had been stony at first, a gradual smile began to emerge as Scarlett continued speaking.

Noticing the shift in Thomas’ demeanor, Nolan gave Scarlett a discreet thumbs-up under the desk.

When Scarlett concluded, spontaneous applause broke out across the lecture hall,

Sabrina alone refrained from clapping, staring at Scarlet in stunned silence. Several points Scarlett had raised hadn’t even occurred to her, yet they were delivered with such precision.

Even Vincent found himself momentarily speechless, impressed by Scarlett’s professional competence. This marked the first time he had ever considered her truly remarkable.

Though not from a medical background himself, her explanation had been so lucid and methodical that he could follow it perfectly. The unmistakable approval in Thomas’ eyes confirmed her exceptional performance.

As the applause subsided, Thomas praised Scarlett’s analysis-and actually used the word “please” when

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Chapter 44 Awakened Potential

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inviting her to sit down. This simple courtesy, rarely extended to anyone, spoke volumes. Thomas didn’t care about official student status; genuine talent was what earned his

respect.

Having been completely upstaged, Sabrina felt her anger surge. This wasn’t mere envy-it was pure, unadulterated jealousy.

Despite all her efforts to become Thomas’ doctoral student, she had never once received his praise, only criticism.

Yet Scarlett, attending for the first time as an auditor, had earned his commendation. The thought twisted something inside her.

There was no way she would allow Scarlett to outshine her like this. Then she remembered-Scarlett hadn’t even completed graduate studies. What qualifications did she truly have? Besides, one compliment meant little.

Nolan had been discussing the question with Scarlett earlier; those insights likely came from him. A woman who had spent four years as a full-time housewife couldn’t possibly possess such solid theoretical knowledge. Sabrina simply refused to believe it. Comforted by this reasoning, her mood improved considerably.

When the lecture concluded and Thomas departed, Scarlett and Nolan prepared to leave as well.

However, upon reaching the lobby, a voice called out to them. “Scarlett! Nolan!”

They turned to find Thomas, his hair now silvered with age. Time had etched its marks upon his face, yet his passion for medicine remained undiminished.

He had dedicated most of his life to the medical field, continuing his work well into his sixties, long past conventional retirement age. He had never married or had children-medicine had been his life’s sole commitment.

“Mr. Newman,” Scarlett said respectfully.

Nolan echoed the greeting, “Mr. Newman.”

Thomas approached and stood before Scarlett with an appreciative smile. “Where are you currently working?”

Scarlett appeared slightly self-conscious. “It’s nothing particularly remarkable, Mr. Newman.”

His smile warm with curiosity, he pressed, “Then, who was your academic supervisor?”

Scarlett’s gaze dropped in mild embarrassment. “I didn’t pursue a doctoral degree. I’m already working professionally.”

Thomas’ expression showed a flicker of disappointment “I see. Which department are you in now?”

“Pediatric surgery.”

“Ah… That’s a challenging field.”

Scarlett offered a modest smile. “One grows accustomed to it in time.”

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Awakened Housewife: Ignore Betrayer’s Begs