Compared to Willow's fierce battle for approval, Vivienne's request was a walk in the park.
Having spent her days pretending to play scientist at the lab, she hadn't had the time to hound Julian during office hours. Her only window to see him was late at night.
After dinner, Julian was locked in his study dealing with corporate matters when Vivienne knocked and walked in.
Annoyed by the sudden intrusion, Julian snapped his laptop shut. "What are you doing in here? Do you need something?"
Sensing his foul mood, Vivienne immediately softened her tone. "Next week, Professor Smith is embarking on a field study for an ultra-rare case. I'd like your permission to accompany the team."
Julian stared at her, his handsome face an unreadable, emotionless mask. "Will this field study actually accelerate the project?"
"Yes. It's a phenomenally rare genetic mutation, the kind we might not see again for decades. If we secure the firsthand clinical data, it will drastically propel our R&D forward and give Sinclair Group a massive edge in the market."
Getting the business justification he needed, Julian gave a curt nod. "Then go."
Just two words. No hesitation, no concern, and absolutely zero reluctance to see her leave.
He didn't bother asking how treacherous the remote mountains were, or if the journey would be dangerous. He didn't offer to connect her with local authorities, nor did he show the slightest inclination to ensure her safety. He was too stingy to offer even a single word of comfort.
Staring at his cold, detached demeanor, a sharp ache pierced Vivienne's chest.
Refusing to give up, she tried to bait a reaction out of him. "The environment out there is notoriously hostile. It's filled with unpredictable dangers."
Julian merely raised an eyebrow, his tone agonizingly dismissive, as if she were discussing a minor inconvenience. "Then make sure you take care of your health."
Pausing for a second, he added coldly, "If you need more funding for security, just submit a request to finance."
Every single word was painfully professional and deeply hollow. There wasn't a shred of genuine human concern.

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye?
Im enjoying this book very much, however it's really taking long for silas and willow to start dating she has to know his feeling by know and the pending divorce...