Chapter 461: A Hastily Thought-Up Excuse
The office was empty, with only Olivia inside.
Olivia turned on her computer, intending to continue her research on congenital diseases in children, but she couldn’t focus on anything.
She had chosen to return to the institute to use work as a distraction from Victor’s earlier tone and attitude.
Unexpectedly, everyone seemed to place great importance on her participation in the free clinic.
Now, sitting alone in the office, Olivia felt a mix of emotions.
After a long time, she had absorbed very little information.
Just as she was feeling frustrated, her phone on the desk rang.
Olivia picked up the phone and glanced at the caller ID. Seeing who it was, she felt a slight headache. After hesitating for a moment, she answered the call.
“Olivia, how’s the preparation going?”
As soon as the call connected, Harold’s voice came through.
Suppressing her strange feelings, Olivia responded calmly, “I’m still learning about the Hargraves family’s research direction. How about you?”
Harold laughed, “Pretty much the same here. But I’m going with a learning mindset this time, so I haven’t prepared much.”
The two exchanged information they had gathered over the past few days. Harold then mentioned, “The free clinic is this week. I saw that the location is in the suburbs. How about I pick you up and we go together?”
Olivia had already agreed to go together before, but hearing Harold mention it again made her think of Victor’s angry face.
After a moment, Olivia pressed her aching temples and apologized, “Senior, I thought about it. I’d better go by myself.”
Hearing this, Harold frowned slightly, “Why? Didn’t we agree to go together?”
Olivia explained, “I just went to get a recommendation letter from Liam and found out that the Ramos family has some connections with the Hargraves family. Liam also hopes I can go with you so it would be easier to meet people from the Hargraves family. But I prefer to get their attention through my own abilities, so…”
This was both an excuse she hastily thought up and a thought she had earlier at Whitaker’s Estate.
Hearing Isaac and Liam talk about Harold’s connections with the Hargraves family made Olivia feel both fortunate and conflicted. It seemed like it wasn’t the way she wanted things to go.
Indeed, connecting with the Hargraves family through Harold might make them consider her first when choosing partners in the future.
But if that happened, the Hargraves family might also give her special treatment during the free clinic, and her abilities might not be fully showcased.
Olivia still hoped to gain recognition from the Hargraves family through her own skills.
Hearing her response, Harold was silent for a moment before agreeing with a smile, “Got it. Let’s do as you wish. But don’t pretend not to know me during the free clinic.”
He knew Olivia’s character well and understood that she didn’t like relying on others. At the same time, Harold was well aware of Olivia’s capabilities and believed that her medical skills alone would be enough to impress the Hargraves family.
Therefore, he wasn’t surprised by Olivia’s refusal.
Olivia smiled lightly, “Alright.”
“If you need any help during the free clinic, feel free to reach out to me. Although I might not be as skilled in traditional Chinese medicine as you are, I can still offer some advice,” Harold reminded.
Olivia agreed with a smile.
They chatted for a while longer before hanging up.
Finally feeling back on track, Olivia thoroughly studied the materials on her computer before leaving work.