The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 542

Jericho had heard everything coming from the pantry.

When Giselle and Sylvan walked back in, he said coldly, "Mr. Scully, Ms. Reed, I still have work to discuss with Dean Ziegler and Winona. Please leave."

Sylvan knew Jericho was kicking them out to protect Winona.

His expression darkened. "In that case, we won't intrude any longer."

Once they were gone, Jericho couldn't help but sigh to the Dean, "Sylvan is an absolute fool, and Giselle doesn't strike me as someone dedicated to R&D. Looks like this PD-1 inhibitor project is going to hit some serious turbulence."

Dean Ziegler smiled helplessly. "We can't choose our investors. Luckily, Giselle does have some actual capability, so she should be able to get the work done."

Jericho scoffed. "Having capability without character means she won't make it far."

He turned to Winona. "I know you did a massive amount of prep work for the PD-1 inhibitor project, and pulling you off it wasn't fair. First, given your talent, making you Giselle's deputy is a complete waste. Second, I wanted you on other crucial projects where your brilliance can truly shine. Third, Sylvan lacks integrity. If he ever used his investor status to make things difficult for you and delay your research, it would be a devastating loss for this lab's talent. You understand where I'm coming from, right?"

"I understand completely, Mr. Harper," Winona replied softly.

Jericho nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Go back to work. And don't visit me so often. I have people looking after me. You all don't need to be running to the hospital every day and neglecting your research."

Winona smiled helplessly. "Got it."

*

When Giselle returned home, she found Wynne sitting in the living room. She walked over, sat beside her, and made sure her bandaged hand was visible.

Wynne immediately noticed. "How did you hurt your hand?"

Giselle hesitated for a moment. "I went to visit Mr. Harper at the hospital today... and there was a bit of a misunderstanding with Winona. I accidentally cut myself."

Wynne's brow furrowed. "Did Winona do that to you?"

"Mom, please don't be mad at her," Giselle pleaded softly. "It wasn't her fault."

Wynne's expression cooled. "I'll have a serious talk with her later."

Giselle sighed heavily. "Mom, I really didn't want to say this, but I feel like I have to. Winona might not be as innocent as you think. I think you should distance yourself from her. If you need company, Ophelia and I can always be there for you. You don't need to rely on her, right?"

Winona agreed and told her to come by.

Giselle drove over to Jericho's lab.

The receptionist led her into the conference room to wait.

Through the glass windows, she watched Winona walking down the corridor, flanked by several colleagues.

They were all looking at her with absolute admiration as she broke down complex technical concepts for them.

A stifling weight settled in Giselle's chest.

Since she had taken over the PD-1 inhibitor project, several members of her own team had constantly questioned her decisions—Zack Charlton being the most vocal.

She felt her authority was constantly being challenged, leaving her deeply frustrated.

Seeing Winona effortlessly command so much respect on Jericho's side of the lab filled her with a bitter, burning jealousy.