Trick Him Into Divorce, Then Flee With His Unknow Kid novel Chapter 259

Chapter 259: Chapter 259 The Price of Favoritism

Rose stared at Ryan in disbelief.

The refined yet icy face before her suddenly felt so unfamiliar that it sent a chill down her spine.

He was openly and unapologetically taking the opportunity from her and handing it to Samantha.

Was he really trying to remove her from the project just to help Samantha rise to prominence?

The room fell into stunned silence as countless eyes turned toward Ryan.

His favoritism couldn’t have been more obvious.

There was no shortage of shocked expressions.

Beside Rose, Alicia clenched her fists in frustration.

How could he do that?

After a brief moment of shock, delight spread across Samantha’s face.

She looked at Ryan with eyes overflowing with affection, her gaze so tender it almost seemed capable of dripping with honey.

Leo’s usually gentle expression turned serious.

"President Knight," he said firmly, "that would violate university policy. More importantly, this isn’t a position someone can simply be appointed to. Whoever represents NYU carries the university’s reputation. They must have the ability to back it up."

He paused before continuing. "We’re here to advance medical research for the benefit of patients. If Samantha represents NYU, then every patent and research paper she submits will represent this university. Is she truly capable of handling that responsibility? This isn’t a game."

Ryan met Leo’s gaze calmly. "I understand."

"You don’t need to worry. If you’re willing to give Samantha some time, she’ll produce results worthy of representing NYU."

The university leaders seated in the front row exchanged uncertain glances.

Soon, they lowered their heads and quietly began discussing the matter among themselves.

Ryan’s words carried tremendous weight.

Although the neuropharmaceutical project had received government funding, that funding covered only a fraction of the overall research costs.

The project still required substantial private investment.

And Ryan was offering to provide it.

At that moment, Rose finally understood.

This wasn’t simply about Samantha.

It was directed at her.

Ryan was deliberately taking away her opportunity and handing it to Samantha.

Leo noticed the hesitation among the university administrators.

From a practical standpoint, allowing Samantha to participate wouldn’t appear to cost the university anything.

He couldn’t help frowning.

How could Ryan be so ruthless toward the woman who had once been his wife?

The matter had seemed settled.

Rose also knew that arguing publicly would accomplish nothing.

Especially when Ryan was offering such generous financial support.

The administrators had no choice but to consider his proposal carefully.

Further debate would be pointless.

Ultimately, opportunity alone wasn’t enough.

If Samantha truly lacked the ability, she would eventually lose the position anyway.

No amount of financial backing could replace genuine talent.

When the meeting ended, Rose stayed behind to say goodbye to several university leaders.

As she approached, she happened to see Ryan and Samantha speaking with them.

The moment Rose walked over, Ryan gave the group a slight nod.

"We’ll continue this discussion another time."

Without another word, he walked past her.

He didn’t acknowledge her presence.

It was as though simply seeing her made him unwilling to remain there for even another second.

As Samantha walked by, she deliberately turned to look at Rose.

A sweet, triumphant smile curved across her lips before she followed Ryan away.

Rose rubbed her temples.

Everything that had happened recently had left her mentally exhausted.

She had no interest in worrying about Samantha’s smugness.

Instead, she was genuinely curious to see whether Samantha could actually produce the kind of results she so confidently claimed she would.

Rose headed downstairs.

Alicia hurried after her.

Stopping beside Rose, she bent over slightly, catching her breath before asking softly, "Professor Rose... the antique gallery ticket is for tomorrow. Would you like to go together?"

She assumed Rose must be feeling miserable after everything that had happened.

Perhaps getting out for a while would help take her mind off it.

Rose thought about the admission ticket Alicia had given her.

She also thought about Ryan discovering the prenuptial agreement.

Perhaps...

The antique gallery would soon have nothing to do with her anymore.

The thought filled her with an indescribable sadness.

She wanted to see it one last time.

"Okay," she replied. "Let’s meet there tomorrow."

Her emotions were complicated.

She understood perfectly well that you couldn’t have everything.

Compared to Ariel...

An antique shop meant nothing.

She had already made her choice.

*****

The following day, Rose and Alicia agreed to meet directly at the antique gallery.

Rose hadn’t expected Ryan’s previous charity fundraising event for Samantha’s medical treatment to have completely revived the business.

When she arrived, there was still a long line of visitors waiting outside.

It was a sight the shop hadn’t seen in years.

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