CHAPTER 244: CHAPTER 244: SETTING A TRAP FOR FLORENCE SINCLAIR

"Juliana, actually I..."

Juliana Jacobs placed her hand on the back of his, interrupting what he was about to say.

"Thank you for taking me back to the Linton Family back then, letting me know what ’family’ feels like. Whether or not we have a blood relation, you are my most important family."

Adrian Langley instantly understood the rejection beneath her calm words.

He said no more, just smiled gently, and clasped her hand in his palm, sincerely saying, "In my heart, we’ll always be family. Whatever you need in the future, feel free to ask. Even if my abilities are limited, I’ll do my best."

"I know." Juliana Jacobs nodded.

"Let’s go, your luggage is all packed in the car, I’ll drive you to the airport."

She agreed and followed him to the door.

As her hand reached for the doorknob, Juliana paused, glancing back at the sleeping figure on the hospital bed.

"Summer, you must wait for me."

...

Juliana Jacobs and Raine Kane arrived in Kingsford late at night.

She neither video-called Elias Langley nor sent him a message, as if she was trying to draw a clear line with him in this resolute manner.

After spending a night in a hotel, the next day Raine Kane rented a car and, with the address provided by Caleb Shaw, found the company named "Vivacore Bio."

Raine Kane stayed downstairs while Juliana went up alone.

At the front desk, Juliana politely said, "Hello, I’d like to speak with your person in charge of application approval. It’s about my friend’s cell-cultured heart application, and I want to discuss some matters face to face."

Her tone was sincere, but the receptionist merely lifted her eyelids, giving her a glance, her gaze even carrying a programmed scrutiny.

Seeing Juliana dressed plainly, the receptionist’s tone took on a trace of disdain.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but can I make one now?"

The receptionist snorted lightly from her nose, "Do you think this is some countryside diner booking a table?"

Patiently, Juliana said, "At least tell me the process, what do I need to do to meet your person in charge?"

"The process is that without an appointment, you can’t meet them. To make an appointment, you’re not qualified. Get out, don’t damage our company’s image here."

The receptionist waved impatiently, her tone becoming increasingly rude.

Just as she finished her words, her face filled with scorn suddenly changed, swiftly switching to one of utmost respect and humility.

Her gaze moved past Juliana, looking at the figure coming out of the elevator, bowing deeply, "Hello, Mr. Sinclair!"

Florence Sinclair usually couldn’t be bothered with such greetings, but the figure standing by the front desk today made her steps falter a bit.

Juliana looked at her, a slight smile on her lips, "Miss Sinclair, we meet again."

Florence Sinclair paused, surprise briefly flashing across her face, then replaced by an appropriately warm smile, her voice gentle and poised.

"Ah, it’s Miss Jacobs, what a coincidence. Let’s talk in the conference room. Please follow me."

Juliana followed her to the conference room,

The moment the conference room door closed, arrogance immediately crept up Florence Sinclair’s brow.

"Since you’re here, I’ll officially inform you that your friend’s heart cultivation application is rejected due to failing the body function examination."

"Exactly what was unqualified?" Juliana pressed.

"Do I need to explain to you?" Florence Sinclair raised her eyebrows with a cold smile, "If you’re so eager to save her, why not give her your own heart instead of pestering here?"

Juliana seemed to be grasped by her, not daring to lash out, her tone even carried a plea.

"Second Miss Sinclair, please, my friend’s situation is critical. Could you tell me what I need to do to pass the review? I’ll cooperate immediately."

Seeing her so submissive, Florence Sinclair sneered, "Do you think Kingsford is some small place in the country? Vivacore’s cutting-edge technology is meant for the elite, not every Tom, Dick, and Harry has the privilege to use it. Be grateful we even entertain the process for her. Now get lost, don’t outstay your welcome."

Juliana seemed provoked by her words, her voice extremely aggrieved.

"If not for the Sinclair Family adopting you, giving you the opportunity for elite education, what right do you have to stand here today and categorize people, belittling ordinary lives?"

This sentence pierced Florence Sinclair’s sore spot like a sharp blade; she hated it when people mentioned her adoptive daughter status.

"You!"

Florence Sinclair’s face suddenly darkened. She stopped arguing, picked up the phone to call the reception.

"Send security to the conference room to remove this troublemaking woman who’s attempting to steal our company’s secrets!"

In no time, several security guards arrived.

Two of them took hold of Juliana, one on each side.

"How am I causing trouble? Clearly, Florence Sinclair has one face for the public, another behind the scenes! Let go of me!"

"What’s going on?"

A deep male voice sounded from behind the group.

The security guards quickly made way, respectfully greeting, "Mr. Hughes."

Auden Hughes, wearing a simple white shirt, with a dark suit jacket casually draped over his arm, had sharp, wise eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses.

He walked into the conference room with a composed stride.

"Auden, you came just in time. Someone is here causing trouble, I’m handling it."

Florence Sinclair stepped forward, habitually linking arms with him.

Auden Hughes’s gaze swept over her arm before meeting Juliana’s eyes.

A fleeting look of amusement passed through his eyes behind the glasses, so quick it seemed like an illusion.

Juliana almost imperceptibly pressed her lips together,

Auden Hughes gently adjusted his glasses, his voice carrying a clear chill.

"Our ’Rebirth Project’ is at the critical stage of applying for national key project funding. At a time like this, any negative public opinion, even just an unfounded rumor, could cause the evaluators to doubt our professionalism and stability. So I have some skepticism about this lady’s purpose in causing trouble here now."

After he spoke, Florence Sinclair feigned sudden realization.

"So that’s her plan... I didn’t see it. Juliana, you’re vicious."

Auden Hughes looked scrutinizingly at Juliana, his tone very serious.

"This lady has already impacted our company’s image. Take her to my office. I’ll personally... evaluate her."

"Yes, Mr. Hughes."

Two guards escorted Juliana to the office.

Auden Hughes pulled back from Florence Sinclair’s grip and walked off.

"Auden!" Florence Sinclair anxiously called after him, "How do you plan to handle her?"

Auden smirked indulgently, "Don’t worry, I’m quite experienced at dealing with drama queens like her. After all... I watch you every day."

With that, not waiting for her reaction, he turned and walked to the office.

Florence Sinclair felt something wasn’t right but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

At that moment, the receptionist rushed over to her.

"Mr. Sinclair, madam’s car has arrived at the parking lot downstairs."

Florence Sinclair felt a momentary panic.

No matter if Juliana was the lost daughter of the Sinclair Family, Florence’s first instinct was to prevent her adoptive mother from meeting Juliana.

"Why is she here at this time? Didn’t you tell her over the phone that we’re very busy?"

After complaining, Florence Sinclair hurriedly walked to the elevator.

The general manager’s office door closed.

Auden Hughes casually threw the jacket draped on his arm onto the sofa, rolling up his shirt sleeves as he walked towards Juliana.

"Stop pretending, hand it over."