Chapter 590 The Lollipop
Facing the crowd’s gaze, Marshall knew he had to clear things up today, no matter what.
Though he trusted Catherine and had a way to handle this, power couldn’t silence everyone’s talk.
Without the truth out, Catherine would have to endure this accusation in the lab. It would cause her substantial harm.
Marshall looked at Catherine and asked seriously, “Catherine, any response to the doubts from others?”
Catherine shrugged confidently and then looked at Winston nearby. “If there’s doubt, just let Professor Warner check my computer.”
Marshall gestured to Winston, who promptly went to Catherine’s computer.
A few minutes later, Winston abruptly stood and approached Catherine. “You wrote the security program on this computer?”
Catherine casually nodded and lazily replied, “I had some spare time, so I made a desktop.”
That was no idle work. With this firewall, even the world’s top hackers would struggle to breach this computer.
Upon entering the lab, each member got their own computer to ensure their research success.
Even Amelia had her own, let alone Catherine.
After Winston heard Catherine’s response, his eyes lit up instantly.
He looked at Catherine with an unusually excited expression, and he said with enthusiasm, “Tell me. What did Marshall offer you? I’ll double it. A computer genius like you shouldn’t be in this chaotic place. Come to my lab, and I’ll give you top treatment!”
Marshall, seeing his old friend blatantly poaching, was dumbfounded. After snapping out of it, Marshall immediately rushed over and pushed Winston away.
“Winston, that’s not cool. I asked for your help, not to steal my talent! Hands off my people!”
Winston looked at Marshall with disdain and sneered. “Your lab’s atmosphere doesn’t suit such talent. If she comes to me, I’ll even give her my spot. Do you even know what you have in your hands? She’s a computer prodigy. The program she casually created on her computer is beyond our national defense teams, let alone ordinary hackers.”
Winston’s words were like cold slaps on everyone’s faces at the scene. They doubted Catherine’s abilities and even suspected she orchestrated this drama for fame.
However, at this moment, they realized that she wasn’t just a genius in electronic chips but also a talent in the computer field. Even Winston was vying for her, offering to give up his position for Catherine.
It showcased how incredibly powerful Catherine’s skills were.
Worried his precious find might be snatched away, Marshall was red-faced and furious. He drove Winston away.
“She’s mine. Stop eyeing her. No amount of goodies will make her leave!
After seeing off Winston, Marshall returned to the lab.
The Marshall who was calm moments ago now had a gloomy expression.
The lab was filled with a dangerous vibe, and everyone was on edge, except for Catherine. She sat relaxed, with legs crossed. She sucked on a lollipop and was completely at ease.
After all, no matter what happened, someone would help her to handle it.
Once Marshall entered, Brodie was the most anxious.
After hesitating for a while, he finally mustered the courage to speak up. He said, “Professor Hartley, I…”
Without letting him finish, Marshall raised a hand and signaled him to pause. “No need to say. Our lab can’t accommodate you. Please leave!”
“Professor Hartley, please!” With tears welling up, Brodie pleaded.
Marshall showed no mercy. He glanced at two students nearby, who immediately stepped forward and dragged Brodie away.
Marshall wasn’t much of a talker usually, but when he became serious, all the people in the lab trembled.
After sending Brodie away, Marshall continued addressing everyone.
His cold gaze swept the room as he spoke softly, “Remember it. In my lab, you should follow my rules. Put away your petty schemes and focus on experiments. Don’t bring this kind of chaos again, or you’ll see my harsh side! I have only one rule. The capable lead. If you don’t agree, then surpass me in skill. If you’re strong enough, I’ll listen to you. Understood, everyone?”
Everyone replied in a loud voice, ” Understood!”
“Dismissed!” With Marshall’s command, everyone returned to their stations and resumed work.
Marshall beckoned Catherine over. ” Come with me.”
Catherine followed Marshall into his office, and he gestured for her to take a seat.
Catherine didn’t hesitate and sat down across from Marshall.
Her long legs lazily rested on the chair’s edge. It was a posture as comfortable as could be.
Marshall didn’t mind. He appreciated Catherine’s straightforwardness. ”
Catherine, you know computers?”
With a lollipop in her mouth, Catherine spoke somewhat indistinctly. She replied, “A bit.”
Marshall thought inwardly, “A bit? If she only knows a bit, why does Winston risk a confrontation to snatch her away? Perhaps she is just too low-key. Winston is right. I indeed find a gem. She is a real treasure.”
After a moment’s pause, Marshall rubbed his hands and said in a low voice, “Catherine, if you have any requests, speak up. My lab is no worse than Winston’s. Anything he can offer, I can match. You catch my drift?”
He was concerned about her being lured by Winston.
Earlier, Catherine didn’t quite understand, but now it clicked.
“Don’t worry, Professor Hartley. I’m only interested in your lab’s projects. I won’t consider Professor Warner’s side.
With Catherine’s words, Marshall felt at ease. He liked her attitude.
“Alright. Since you’re resolute, no need for further words. Get back to your tasks.”
As Catherine stood up to leave, Marshall blurted out, “Why do you always have a lollipop? Is it really that good?”
Marshall couldn’t imagine Catherine as someone fond of lollipops. It piqued his curiosity.
Raising an eyebrow, Catherine glanced at him. “I have low blood sugar. They are from my boyfriend.”
With that, Catherine walked out without looking back. Hearing that, Marshall was stunned.
He inadvertently watched a public display of affection. He thought young people these days indeed had diverse ways of displaying affection.
