CHAPTER 85: CHAPTER 85: A FLOWER VASE WHO ROSE THROUGH CONNECTIONS!

"Those triple security locks are indeed intricately and masterfully designed." Julian Poole had brought his most elite team today, and even with their combined efforts, it took the entire morning to crack them.

Julian was a bit curious: "Who set them up? If possible, I’d like to pay them a visit."

He didn’t expect that there were such experts domestically, capable of creating such a high-level protection program.

Julian was very interested in meeting this person. If he could recruit them into his team, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.

Cindy Lynn took a sip of tea and said calmly, "I’m not sure about that. I just became the manager of the R&D department. I discovered the computer was locked, and there are some confidential company files in there that I need for my upcoming projects."

Although Julian was a bit disappointed, he was still happy for Cindy Lynn.

"The position of R&D manager at Zenith Group is very prestigious. You’re still so young, Cindy; your future prospects are boundless."

Cindy Lynn humbly smiled and said, "You’re flattering me, senior. You’re the one whose situation has changed dramatically. Having you here is thrilling everyone in our R&D department."

A few years back, Julian had been working overseas, collaborating on a space project with the International Space Station. He only returned home last month after receiving an invitation at the national level. He is currently deeply collaborating with the domestic government and military on top-secret S-level projects.

The reason Julian could make time to come here today was because of Cindy Lynn; otherwise, he wouldn’t have paid much attention to Zenith Group.

"No need for formalities between us." Julian looked at Cindy Lynn, reminiscing about the past, his gaze deepening. "I told you before, as long as you need it, and if I can do it, I’ll be there whenever you call."

This wasn’t just empty talk.

Cindy Lynn was his high school junior, a year younger than him.

The Lynn Family and the Poole Family had business interactions back in those days, and there was a period when the two families were closely associated. Every time Cindy Lynn saw him, she would smile and call him ’Brother Julian’.

The change came in the summer of Julian’s senior year graduation; the financial crisis hit, and the Poole Family suddenly went bankrupt. Father Poole, overwhelmed, jumped from the company’s rooftop in the cold and desolate early morning.

Julian’s mother had a mental breakdown, leaving all the family debts on Julian’s shoulders. All the friends and relatives, who used to show care and warmth, disappeared overnight.

Julian would always remember that night he stayed alone in front of his father’s mourning hall, and Cindy Lynn ran in the rain towards him like a ray of light.

She pushed a piggy bank into his hands.

Julian didn’t accept it, but he would forever remember Cindy Lynn’s kindness.

In Julian’s heart, she was truly an angelic girl.

"What’s wrong?" Julian noticed Cindy Lynn’s expression, as if she had something on her mind. "Is there still trouble at work?"

Cindy Lynn’s expression revealed a touch of melancholy.

"Senior, I won’t hide it from you. The project I’m working on is about Alzheimer’s disease. I’m planning to collaborate with Westgard Pharmaceuticals."

"I heard Westgard Pharmaceuticals was acquired by The Pierce Family. If you manage to collaborate with them, your reputation will soar straight to the top tier." Julian analyzed rationally and asked, puzzled, "So what’s your concern?"

Cindy Lynn held her teacup with both hands, saying helplessly, "Senior, our company also has another department of R&D, led by our President Hawthorne’s wife. And she happens to be working on the same project as mine..."

President Hawthorne’s wife?

Julian raised his eyebrows coldly, understanding the situation.

So it’s just a trophy wife who got the R&D manager position through connections, and now she wants to steal Cindy Lynn’s success!

Cold disgust spread in Julian’s eyes.

He had zero tolerance for such people.

"Don’t worry, I’ll follow your project all the way. I also know a few of the top medical experts in the country. If you need any help, just say the word."

Cindy Lynn’s expression relaxed, showing a smile, "Thank you, Brother Julian."

...

Tanya naturally didn’t know, that during just one meal, she had been labeled as someone relying on connections.

She was riding with Vincent Hawthorne back to the company. On the way, Vincent mentioned picking up Caden and Joy from school together after work. Tanya thought it over and still refused.

"I want to stay at the company and work overtime tonight; it’ll probably be late."

Time was tight, and she had to give her all since she needed to take the project proposal to Westgard Pharmaceuticals this Saturday.

Vincent released one hand from the wheel and squeezed Tanya’s hand, "Alright, thank you for your hard work, Mrs. Hawthorne. Once the contract with Westgard Pharmaceuticals is signed, I’ll take a day off, and we’ll go out and relax."

Tanya: "..."

He considered taking a day off to accompany her as the best reward.

Tanya pulled a half-hearted smile and retracted her hand, reminding him, "Focus on driving."

Back at the R&D department, as soon as she entered, Serena Holloway brought some good news to Tanya.

"Boss, I received a return call from Westgard Pharmaceuticals! President Pierce will spare half an hour to meet us this Saturday morning!"

Tanya breathed a sigh of relief; she had been a bit worried about not catching him initially.

Serena scratched her head, "But there’s something quite strange."

"Oh?"

Serena glanced at the other side’s R&D department two, lowering her voice, "The call was from President Pierce’s assistant. He told me that in half an hour, we need to report on two projects to President Pierce and to arrange our time well. But we clearly only have one project."

"..."

Tanya’s expression turned slightly grim as she turned to look at R&D department two, where Cindy Lynn was entering with a box of pastries, and the employees there naturally crowded around, their praises for her beauty and kindness drifting over.

Serena rolled her eyes slightly.

"What a charade."

Tanya’s gaze flickered with insight, contemplating something.

After a few seconds, Tanya patted Serena on the shoulder, "Let’s keep working."

Although it was called work, the entire project’s pressure was actually on Tanya, while Serena only helped out with small tasks. When it was time to get off work, Tanya let her go home first.

Not long after, Tanya received a message from Serena; it was a few candid photos.

In the dimly lit underground garage, Tanya immediately recognized the two people in the photos.

——Vincent Hawthorne and Cindy Lynn.

They each got into their cars on either side.

Tanya took a deep breath, feeling oppressed in her chest.

Because she was busy with work and couldn’t go to pick up the two children from school, he was openly taking Cindy Lynn instead!