She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 67

Hearing that, Ursula burst out laughing. "A woman who hasn't seen the inside of a lab in seven years thinks she's summarized something useful? That's rich."

"Now, Ms. Delaney, don't be too harsh. Director Atherton is newly appointed. She's young and eager to prove herself with some quick results. It's totally understandable," Harvey interjected gently, smiling as he glanced around at the other staff members in the break room.

Ursula wasn't having any of it. "You're always playing the nice guy, Harvey. But someone just waltzed in and stole the director position right out from under you. Don't tell me you aren't secretly pissed off!"

Both Ursula and Harvey were associate researchers—the absolute backbone of the institute. In terms of seniority, Harvey had years on Ursula. Originally, while Brandon was temporarily acting as R&D Director, neither of them had complained. They knew Brandon was stretched too thin and would inevitably pass the baton.

When that happened, everyone assumed the new director would be either Harvey or Ursula.

But Harvey was inherently passive. He was the kind of guy who just kept his head down and focused purely on his research, seemingly indifferent to management titles.

Ursula, on the other hand, was entirely different. She wore her ambition on her sleeve and made sure everyone knew exactly how capable she was.

So, before Hulda had literally dropped out of the sky, Ursula had already considered the director position hers by right.

To lose it to a younger, completely unproven outsider was a massive blow to her ego.

It was something she couldn't—and wouldn't—accept.

Faced with Ursula's aggressive probing, Harvey merely chuckled. "My skills are limited. A leadership role should go to someone who truly has the capability."

Ursula knew he would say something diplomatic like that. She rolled her eyes dramatically. "And you think this Hulda Atherton has capability?"

She let out a sharp sneer. "They say she's Conrad's favorite prodigy. If she was really that brilliant, she wouldn't have disappeared for seven years! Look at her—she's got the face of a seductress. Who knows whose bed she had to crawl into to get this job!"

"Ursula, watch your mouth," Harvey warned in a hushed, stern tone. His eyes darted nervously toward Abby, who was quietly stirring her coffee.

The staff exchanged uneasy glances. No one openly agreed, but the suspicion was clear on their faces.

It was a well-known fact that Brandon had been a widower for years. Plenty of women had tried to pursue him, but he had firmly rejected every single one.

Even Ursula had once tried to set him up with her younger sister. Brandon had severely reprimanded her, telling her to focus on her research instead of playing matchmaker.

Every time she thought about that rejection, it boiled her blood. Seeing him act so remarkably warm toward Hulda today only poured gasoline on her resentment.

Realizing Ursula was crossing a dangerous line and the others were actually buying into it, Harvey frantically changed the subject. "By the way, Ms. Delaney, I reviewed your latest research report. Your new direction is genuinely groundbreaking. If this project translates to practical application, not only will the institute reward you, but you might even receive national honors."

At the mention of her work, Ursula's smugness skyrocketed. "Oh, it's just a standard research project."