Chapter 160 Juniper's Background
When Juniper asked, she was a bit nervous. She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but the timing of the boss from Galactic Aurora Collective Lab showing up was just too perfect. And they had the video and experimental data ready to go. It felt like they had everything planned out before coming to Phoenix Lab, and Juniper couldn't help but admire this mysterious boss. To be so prepared, they had to be something special.
Alkaid grinned and said, "Our boss goes by the code name Alioth in the lab. If that rings a bell, it's because one of your old SCI papers referenced her data."
Everyone in the scientific community knew Alioth. She had published ten SCI papers in top journals, each one a high-scoring masterpiece that set the standard in their field.
Of course, Juniper had used Alioth's data in her own papers; she was a huge fan.
"Ms. Windsor, Alioth thinks highly of your skills. If you're interested, our lab would love to have you," Alkaid said.
Juniper's face lit up with excitement. "Alioth is my idol. Every time I read her work, it feels like a revelation and gives me so much inspiration. Honestly, without her papers, I wouldn't be where I am today. It would be an honor to join her lab, but for now, I have to say no."
Alkaid raised an eyebrow. "If Alioth is your idol, why turn it down?"
Juniper glanced back at the sprawling base behind her. This place held not just her duties but also her beliefs. Her gaze was steady and determined, her tone confident and firm. "Because my country needs me."
"I was being short-sighted. Alioth said before leaving that if you ever need anything, you can come to Galactic Aurora Collective, and we can exchange ideas. But Alioth won't be in Tranquil County for the next few days," Alkaid said.
"Great, thanks a lot!" Juniper rubbed her hands, a bit embarrassed. "Next time, could you get Alioth to sign something for me? I'm a huge fan!"
Alkaid agreed earnestly and immediately called Catherine after hanging up. "Miss, Juniper is starting to suspect your identity. She really is a genius, not actually from the Windsor family. If it weren't for her beliefs, I'd want her to join us! She even wants your autograph!"
Catherine was a bit speechless, thinking, 'I'm also part of the Windsor family. Alkaid said Juniper and the Windsor family members are on different intellectual levels. Was that a dig at me?'
"If you want to go back to the Faceless Ones to sweep the floor, just say so," Catherine said coldly.
"Goodbye!" Alkaid said.
On the other side, Juniper contentedly put away her phone and walked back to the lab.
Evander was separating samples in a test tube and glanced at Juniper, slightly annoyed. "In such a hurry, where did you go?"
"Sir, do you know the boss of Galactic Aurora Collective?" Juniper asked.
"Are you kidding? Who in research doesn't know her? Do you think the boss of an independent research lab with international status is just some ordinary person?" he said.
"Didn't the country try to recruit her?" she asked.
Evander gave Juniper a complicated look. "They tried many times, but she said our lab's equipment was too outdated, and research isn't her whole life, so she refused. You know the amphibious transport technology that succeeded a few months ago? It was her data that made it possible."
So, basically, the boss of Galactic Aurora Collective thought their lab equipment was a joke.
Phoenix Lab wasn't even working on amphibious transport tech, but Alioth still provided the data!
Juniper's eyes sparkled with admiration. "No wonder she's my idol!"
Evander shook his head, looking at the samples in front of him. "She's incredible, but you're no slouch either. With your talent, you're going places."
This was the first time since joining Phoenix Lab that Juniper heard Evander praise her. She looked suspicious and took a few steps back. "Sir, be normal. You're old enough to be my dad! This won't do! Your career might be over, but I still have a bright future ahead! I'm really not into old men!"
Evander, unable to hold back, glared at Juniper and snapped, "Get out! Don't stay in the same lab as me. You drive me nuts!"
Juniper felt relieved seeing him angry and patted her chest. "That's more like it. When you suddenly praised me, I knew something was off!"
As she left the lab with a spring in her step, Evander's expression turned somber. His handsome and elegant face was filled with loneliness and helplessness. He took out an old pocket watch he always carried and looked at the old photo inside, his eyes gentle. If it weren't for the obvious age of the photo, even the Windsor family members would think it was an artistic photo of Juniper!
Evander's fingers gently caressed the face in the photo, smiling bitterly and murmuring, "Pal, if I tell her the truth, will she hate me? The Windsor family treats her like a treasure. What should I do? She's wonderful, even better than we imagined, smart and considerate, and also makes people feel for her."
When Juniper said she was different from him, that she wasn't a Windsor family child, and that her biological parents abandoned her, Evander felt like he was punched in the gut, the pain making it hard to breathe. The woman in the photo had a gentle smile, and the tear mole under her eye was identical to Juniper's. But his moon had forever become a crescent, never to be whole again, and could never give him an answer!
Bright Heal Hospital.
Marcus held a cane, looking at the delirious Lila lying in the hospital bed, his brows furrowed.
Gavin stood beside him. "She can't form complete sentences now, and her mind is unclear. I'm afraid she can't tell you what you want to know."
"When will she get better?" Marcus asked.
"We'll do our best, but her dementia is severe, and she can't recognize people anymore. You should go back for now," Gavin said.
Marcus, unable to get the truth he wanted, felt a bit unwilling, but seeing Lila's crazy state, he also felt impatient. After so many years, he and Lila had reached a point where they couldn't stand each other.
Lila kept muttering incoherent words. "He's my son, all mine."
With Brandon's help, Marcus stood up and walked out of the ward. "Since Esme is Lila's granddaughter, find out who Lila's son is."
"Yes, I understand." Brandon hesitated a bit but still asked, "Dad, who is my mom?"
Marcus closed his eyes, bitterness rising in his throat. When he opened them again, his gaze was as sharp and determined as an eagle's, exuding authority and dominance. "Go find Samuel. I must get to the bottom of this!"
"Okay, I'll contact him right away. He said he's going to an island for inspiration to write a new book and isn't home these days?" Brandon said.
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