Chapter 362

Chapter 362:

Behind her, Phoebe gave her sleeve a quick tug. “Once you start talking, I’ll snap a few pictures. Posting them online would do wonders for your exposure p>

Gracie halted her with a quiet warning. “Ask for permission first. If they’re comfortable with it, then we can take a proper group photo p>

Genius on Robert’s scale often came with its own brand of eccentricity, and a single careless gesture could sour his mood. Within the medical world, merit might have been the ideal, but crossing someone of his influence could cripple an entire career.

Lawrence eased up to Robert’s side and bent close, quietly murmuring a few words meant only for him.

Robert’s eyes brightened, and after a few cordial exchanges with the people beside him, he made his way toward Gracie with an eager stride.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’ve been keeping an eye on those two patents of yours. Hospitals across multiple countries are already implementing your technology. For someone your age, that kind of contribution is extraordinary p>

Gracie offered a warm, steady smile. “You flatter me. My work is nothing compared to what you’ve accomplished. Being here today has already broadened my perspective p>

With an amused chuckle, Robert gestured for her to join him on a nearby sofa, settling into the seat as though preparing for a longer conversation.

Gracie could feel in his measured posture that he hadn’t yet revealed why he wanted to meet her.

Once they secured permission, Phoebe stepped off to the side and snapped photos from several flattering angles, her phone clicking quietly as she searched for the best light.

“Ms. Sullivan,” Robert said at last, leaning in with focused calm. “Let me cut to the chase. After seeing the way you handled those experiments—and the level of precision you work with—I’m convinced you’re the most gifted researcher I’ve met in my entire career. Would you consider joining my lab? I’m prepared to offer you triple your current salary, plus performance bonuses. It would be far beyond whatever you’re making now p>

The bold offer made Lawrence’s eyes snap wide, amazement flickering across his face as he glanced at Gracie.

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Even junior researchers in that lab earned salaries most people could only dream about; tripling that amount, with additional bonuses, bordered on legendary. He found himself reassessing Gracie with a whole new level of respect.

A quiet jolt ran through Gracie as well. She hadn’t expected Robert to try recruiting her on the spot.

“I appreciate the invitation,” she said, her tone warm but steady as she straightened a little. “But I’ve been with my team for years. I’m not looking to leave them. For people in our field, the paycheck has never been what drives us p>

Countless hours hunched over experiments in a silent, windowless lab required passion, not profit.

Robert dipped his head in firm agreement, his voice carrying a spark of excitement. “My lab can offer you cutting-edge equipment and the latest technology. Wouldn’t you like to see just how far you can push your limits—how many breakthroughs you could make with the right tools p>

The idea struck deeper than Gracie wanted to admit. Every serious researcher craved machines that could shave months off trial cycles and instruments most scientists only saw in journals. Even so, a quiet certainty settled in her chest. She had lines she refused to cross, no matter how tempting the offer.

Gracie answered with calm conviction, “Everything I’ve accomplished as a researcher stems from the unwavering support and guidance of my country. That’s why, moving forward, my only goal is to give back and apply my expertise in its service. I’m truly grateful for your offer, and I hope we’ll continue exchanging ideas at future international seminars.” Her tone held no hesitation.

The firmness of her answer caught Robert off guard—he hadn’t expected her to turn him down so bluntly.

A cluster of reporters drifted closer, lifting their cameras as quietly as shadows settling around them. Gracie never noticed the lenses pointed her way.

For reasons she couldn’t quite name, her gaze dipped toward the floor, her voice softening. “Besides… my husband is back home. I want to stay with him. For my country—and for him—I choose not to leave p>

The international seminar’s livestream clip raced across the internet, catching fire the moment someone reposted it to the domestic platforms. Within half an hour, the topic shot straight onto the trending list, drawing waves of commentary.

“This is what real patriotism looks like. My respect for her just skyrocketed p>

“Turning down that kind of temptation and still standing firm? Not many people could do that today. She’s a genuine pioneer—my new idol p>

“Was I the only one who caught that shift? She flat-out said one of the biggest reasons she wouldn’t join his lab was because she couldn’t bear to leave her husband. What a lucky man p>