She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 156

The reporter from the Aldercy Times instantly sparked a wave of murmurs across the audience.

Although everyone present was a professional in the tech sector, gossip and curiosity were basic human instincts—just expressed in different ways.

"This question is unrelated to today's topic, so we will be skipping it. Next question..." The host smoothly attempted to shut the reporter down.

However, the reporter had no intention of giving up and refused to hand over the microphone. Ignoring the warning glares from the host and Brandon, he raised his chin and pressed on. "Is there some unspeakable secret, which is why it's so inconvenient to answer?"

Looking directly at Hulda, the reporter's eyes gleamed with an unmistakable intent to mock her. "Director Atherton, I believe everyone here is highly curious. Why would a genius of your caliber have a massive seven-year blank in their resume? Seven years is an awfully long time, after all!"

As soon as the words landed, the whispering in the hall grew louder.

It was true. Seven years was an eternity in their field!

As the founder of the Quantum Crystal Laboratory and the sole developer of the Gyroscope, Hulda was undoubtedly a generational prodigy. If it hadn't been for that seven-year gap, her status in the scientific community would likely be far beyond just a Director at this institute.

The invasive question and the surrounding gossip caused Dr. Atherton's face to sink.

"He's right, Conrad. What exactly was your precious student doing during those seven years?" an older gentleman sitting nearby asked.

Dr. Atherton shot the man a deadly side-eye. "Hmph. You're awfully nosy for a man your age."

Rather than answering, Dr. Atherton looked up at Brandon with severe displeasure.

Caspian crossed his hands, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits as he permanently burned the reporter's face into his memory.

Brandon was visibly furious and was about to intervene when Hulda's calm voice echoed from the podium. "It's fine. I can answer that."

The venue instantly quieted down. The reporter wore a smug, victorious grin.

Brandon looked at Hulda hesitantly. This question wasn't just ripping off a scab; it was forcing her to display the bloody wound to an auditorium full of strangers.

They had worked so hard to help her step out of the shadows of her past, and they absolutely hated seeing her get hurt again.

In the back row, however, Herbert was drowning in a raging tempest of emotions.

He stared unblinkingly at Hulda, his heart thrashing violently against his ribs.

Hulda... gave up her entire career for him and their family?

A crushing wave of guilt and regret exploded from the depths of his soul. He had absolutely no idea she had sacrificed so much for him.

And what had he done in return...?

Sylvie watched Herbert's fists tremble violently, her own breathing becoming panicked and ragged.

At that moment, everyone in the hall held their breath, waiting for Hulda's response.

Just as the reporter smugly thought he had exposed her fatal weakness and trapped her in a corner...