She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 172

At the institute, as the workday came to a close, Hulda Atherton was wrapping up her remaining tasks.

She had been swamped for days leading up to the press conference, and she planned to use the weekend to finally get some solid rest.

Just then, Abby Corbett knocked and entered. "Director Atherton, I just got word. To celebrate the success of the press conference, the institute is hosting a team dinner tonight."

Hulda was about to politely decline, but Abby continued, "Dr. Lowe said he has to travel for business tonight and can't make it. He asked you to go in his place. It's mandatory."

Hearing that, Hulda knew she couldn't get out of it.

"Alright," she nodded with a resigned sigh. "It works out, actually. I haven't treated the team since I joined. Tell them I'll cover the bill tonight; no need to expense it to the institute."

She checked the time. "It's almost time to clock out. You all go ahead. Send me the location, and I'll head over as soon as I finish up here."

Abby nodded and left the office.

But she returned only moments later.

"What is it?" Hulda asked.

Abby's expression was complicated. "I just got a call from security. There's a man named Herbert Jewell waiting outside the gates, demanding to see you."

Abby remembered the name. It was the same man who had stopped her at the press conference, insisting her surname was Atherton. Later, he had hounded the Director at the reception.

After they returned to the institute, the package Hulda had sent returning those two cards had also been addressed to Herbert Jewell.

Abby had a creeping suspicion about Herbert's identity, but out of respect for Hulda's privacy, she kept her mouth shut.

Hearing that Herbert had tracked her down, Hulda froze for a second before her brows knit together. "Tell security: if they don't have an appointment, I'm not seeing them. No exceptions."

"Understood." Abby nodded, turning on her heel to relay the message.

But despite his fury, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and step back behind the line.

The guard didn't engage him further, nor did he return to his post. Instead, he stood there, watching Herbert with the vigilant suspicion usually reserved for a criminal.

Furious and humiliated, Herbert went to his car, grabbed his phone, and dialed Hulda's number.

It rang twice before being ruthlessly declined.

He tried again. Same result.

In a fit of frustration, Herbert tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, planting his hands on his hips and pacing back and forth, unable to rein in his boiling emotions.

By the time Hulda finished her work and left the building, Herbert was gone.

She didn't give it much thought, nor did she care to wonder why he had come looking for her in the first place.