She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 64

Even as he drove off, his eyes remained glued to the rearview mirror, watching Hulda's figure grow smaller in the distance.

With the road finally cleared, Hulda checked the time. She hadn't wasted too much of it; she should still make it to the institute on schedule.

The rest of the drive was incredibly smooth, barely hitting any red lights.

Hulda arrived at the institute right on time.

Stepping foot in this place after so many years, she stood by the main entrance, staring up at the words 'The Conrad Atherton Institute' in a deep trance.

It wasn't until a security guard approached and asked for her business that she finally snapped out of it.

Hulda pulled out the ID badge Brandon Lowe had prepared for her and handed it over.

The guard's expression instantly shifted to one of deep respect. "Oh! You must be the new R&D Director! Please, Director Atherton, come right in!"

It was the very first time Hulda had been addressed as 'Director Atherton,' and she had to admit, it felt a little jarring.

She offered the guard a warm, polite smile. Taking one last deep breath, she officially crossed the threshold into the institute.

Inside the main lobby, Brandon had already gathered the staff to welcome her, having been tipped off by security.

The moment Hulda walked through the doors, Brandon erupted into enthusiastic applause. The clapping from the group standing behind him, however, was noticeably scattered and lackluster.

The contrast was glaring.

She could even see clear resentment, resistance, and sheer reluctance painted on several of their faces.

Hulda sighed inwardly, but she didn't let a fraction of it show.

She walked up with a confident smile and greeted him. "Bran... Dr. Lowe."

She was so used to calling him Brandon, but this was a professional setting. She had to use his official title.

Brandon was currently the Executive Vice Director. Ever since Conrad took a step back, Brandon had officially taken over the day-to-day operations, administration, and research coordination.

What was supposed to be a warm welcome reception had instantly devolved into an incredibly awkward ordeal.

Brandon's expression darkened as he addressed the remaining staff. "Alright, everyone, back to work."

At his command, the crowd quickly dispersed.

Brandon turned to Hulda, looking genuinely apologetic. "Hulda, I'm so sorry. I wanted to give you a proper welcome, but I didn't expect..."

"It's perfectly fine, Brandon. I completely understand."

If this had been the Hulda from seven years ago—young, fiercely ambitious, and razor-sharp—she might have been deeply hurt by the cold shoulders and open mockery.

But after everything she had endured over the past seven years, she had seen enough of the ugly side of human nature to remain entirely unfazed.

"Good." Brandon didn't waste time on pleasantries, slipping straight into business mode. "Do you remember that tech company I mentioned to you? They seem incredibly eager. The moment they found out you were starting today, they insisted on meeting you. They're hoping you'll give them a chance to pitch face-to-face."