She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 145

As he spoke, Herbert offered a respectful nod and extended his hand, aiming to greet the senior academic with the utmost deference.

Dr. Atherton remained perfectly still in his wheelchair. He glanced at Herbert's outstretched hand, looked up at his face, and then let his gaze drift to Sylvie, who was standing right by Herbert's side.

Seeing the legendary figure look her way, Sylvie felt an overwhelming surge of pride. Mirroring Herbert, she offered an eager smile. "Hello, Dr. Atherton, I'm Sylvie Sinclair from H&J Technologies. It is such an honor to meet you. You have always been a beacon of inspiration for my scientific career. I admire you so much."

With that, Sylvie extended her hand as well.

Her heart raced with smug satisfaction, thinking she was about to be the first person in the room to shake hands with the great Dr. Atherton today.

Yet, the old man merely stared at them with glacial indifference. He left Herbert and Sylvie standing there with their hands awkwardly suspended in mid-air, showing zero intention of reciprocating.

"Let's go. The launch is starting soon," Dr. Atherton instructed his nurse coldly.

The nurse nodded and pushed the wheelchair straight past the two of them.

Dr. Atherton didn't spare them a single word, nor did he offer them a second glance.

Moments later, another group of executives approached to pay their respects.

Unlike the freezing reception he gave H&J, Dr. Atherton smiled warmly and chatted amicably with the newcomers.

The stark contrast was impossible for Herbert and Sylvie to miss.

Their faces burned with humiliation as they slowly withdrew their hovering hands, forced to watch Dr. Atherton beam at everyone else.

Just then, Caspian walked past them.

Herbert snapped out of his embarrassment, suppressed his frustration, and stepped forward to offer his thanks.

"Mr. Ste—"

At the same time, Caspian's sharp reprimand caused the onlookers to cast judgmental, scrutinizing glares at Sylvie.

At such a prestigious event, what exactly was this woman trying to achieve by practically throwing herself at Mr. Sterling?

Sylvie's face flushed a deep, humiliating crimson. The weight of the crowd's judgment made her skin crawl.

"I..."

She just wanted to say thank you.

But Caspian offered her no chance to explain. His striking features remained void of any emotion as he turned on his heel and walked toward Dr. Atherton.

Just before he left, however, he threw a sidelong glance at Herbert, his eyes brimming with undisguised mockery.