He was direct and harsh at the same time.
Melissa inhaled sharply because she was caught by surprise. After a long pause, she finally nodded in response. “That is right.”
The President laughed heartily. “Of course I know about that. After all, even my subordinate recognizes you, Miss Rocher. That means you can’t be too bad yourself. However, I heard that Lady Luck hasn’t been on your side, Miss Rocher. I wonder what you are planning to do about that.”
Melissa dug her nails into her palms. The pain gave her a clear mind and she answered him calmly, “I hope that you will give me a chance to prove myself, Mr. Hills. You can hand me the research project without any worry this time.” Money doesn’t mean much to the Rocher Family because our long-standing reputation is the priority.
Nevertheless, the President did not agree to it. Instead, he pushed the folder on the desk toward her. “In that case, please have a look at the project this time, Miss Rocher.”
Melissa’s eyes glinted in excitement when she heard that and she immediately picked up the folder.
The folder was neither light nor heavy because it merely had a few pages in it.
She opened the folder to start perusing the pages.
However, as the seconds ticked by, the excitement in Melissa’s gaze gradually ebbed away.
Her delight was soon replaced by shock. She slowly looked up while she placed the folder on the table. “Mr. Hills, I can’t join the project,” she answered calmly. To be frank, there are many uncertainties in human viruses and it is disadvantageous to develop them naturally. If the virus is used in human experiments, it would be extremely inhumane and immoral because it is very inhuman and lacks ethics. In fact, the medical community has always prohibited such experiments. So far, nobody has succeeded in a research like this. Even if such a rare opportunity presents itself in front of me, I just can’t do it.
The President did not expect Melissa to decisively reject him, so his expression darkened straight away while his anger steadily rose.
In any case, I can’t force Melissa if she is unwilling to do it. Hence, the President collected himself while he maintained a faint smile. Then, he deliberately asked Melissa, “Miss Rocher, although the experiment is inhumane, you’d be the first to achieve it in the medical community if you were to succeed in this experiment. By that time, not just you alone, but even the Rocher Family would be revered. Are you giving up such a great opportunity? Besides, are you at peace after having been defeated by Janet?”
Melissa’s body stiffened at the mention of Janet’s name. Her determined expression slowly morphed into a confused look.
He squinted because he could tell that she was hesitating. “Think about it—if you become the pioneer in the medical community, everybody would only see your success. How could they possibly care about an experiment?” he added.
His words were destroying her last shred of rationality. She kept quiet for a long time, but she just could not get over her principles. “I am not interested in obtaining recognition through such means.” I want a dignified and legitimate approval.
The President did not expect Melissa to be strong-willed. After weighing his options, he chuckled softly. “However, Miss Rocher, you shouldn’t forget that you are the 5th generation of the Rocher Family. Right now, the public is spreading rumors that you will ruin the Rocher Family. The consequences of not accepting my mission…”
The consequences? The consequence is that the Rocher Family would no longer be able to stand tall in the medical community. The Rocher Family is my point. I don’t have to care about my reputation, but I have to think for the sake of the entire family.
The President adjusted his glasses while he started a game of cat and mouse. “Forget it, since you are unwilling to do so, Miss Rocher. That is all for today.”
With that, he rose from the couch to prepare to leave.
Melissa looked up to glance at him. When she stared at his back view as he left, something gave way in her heart and her lips parted. “Mr. Hills…” Even she was caught by surprise when she called for him. I can’t believe I actually called out for him.
The President turned to smile when he heard her. “Miss Rocher, have you changed your mind?” he asked.
