The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 526

Stefan hummed softly in agreement.

Winona checked her watch. "I have to get to a meeting, but I'll request the afternoon off to come back and stay with you."

"Your work is important," Stefan murmured. "It's just a fever. Have Lexie come sit with me. Go focus on your project."

Winona wasn't having it. "I'm coming back this afternoon. No arguments."

Stefan gave in, instructing Ezra to drive her to the institute.

Winona rushed into the conference room, taking her seat. "Apologies for being five minutes late."

Dean Ziegler waved it off. "Not a problem, Winona. Have a seat."

Eloise shot her a dirty look. "We're representing Mr. Harper here, Winona. Deliberately strolling in late is a bad look for him."

Before Winona could respond, Giselle chimed in with a sweet, placating voice. "I'm sure Winona had a very good reason. We all understand."

Since the golden child had spoken, Eloise swallowed her snide remarks.

Eloise had arrived early that morning and overheard the female staff whispering about Giselle's luxury car, designer clothes, and six-figure handbag. She quickly learned that Giselle was the daughter of the elite Sylvan Scully and his ex-wife, Wynne. A bona fide heiress.

On top of that, Giselle had a solid research background and had already won Dean Ziegler's favor.

Eloise despised Winona with a passion. Seeing someone arrive who could effortlessly eclipse Winona in both status and talent was exactly what she wanted.

Dean Ziegler kicked off the meeting, asking the leads to present their strategies for the new PD-1 inhibitor project. Zack went first, followed by Giselle, who confidently broke down her methodology.

"Excellent framework, Giselle," Dean Ziegler praised.

Giselle offered a modest smile and returned to her seat.

Eloise smirked, glancing sideways at Winona. Giselle's pedigree and resume were flawless. She was a massive threat. She couldn't wait to see Winona crack under the pressure.

Giselle swallowed her bruised ego. She had been outclassed today, but she resolved to work twice as hard to rip the spotlight back from Winona.

When the meeting adjourned, Zack and the other researchers flocked to Winona to discuss her ideas.

Before Winona had walked in, Giselle had been the center of attention, easily charming the room. Now, she was entirely sidelined.

Gritting her teeth behind a polite smile, Giselle turned to Eloise and the remaining staff. "You all worked so hard today. Let me treat you to coffee!"

She pulled out her phone and ordered delivery. Twenty minutes later, a courier arrived with drinks and pastries from the most exclusive café in the city. A single coffee was fifteen dollars, and each tiny cake was over twenty-five.

Having essentially bought their loyalty with sugar, Eloise and the others eagerly crowded around Giselle, singing her praises.

Giselle basked in the flattery.

So what if Winona was a genius in the lab? Giselle had "wealthy parents" backing her now. She had access to unlimited capital and resources. In the long run, she would completely bury Winona Jowett.