Married To a Stranger

Chapter 35

Isabel's face went ashen. She thought she'd gotten away with the mess she'd created.

Warren had fallen for her fake tears, just as always. But.

Sheila's rigid sense of morality had ruined everything, and now she had to humiliate herself in front of her arch-rival.

Okay, Mom, I'll tell Ruby I'm sorry. Isabel mumbled, her voice thick with resentment.

Seeing the storm brewing behind her daughter's eyes, Natalia sighed and gently changed the subject.

Didn't you want to introduce Carter to Dr. N? We can all go together tomorrow.

Warren stood and left, clearly satisfied. Isabel had been scolded, yet rewarded all the same.

The moment he was gone, Isabel's eyes lit up. She slipped her arm through her mother's affectionately.

Oh, thanks, Mom. You're the best. She'd already cost Carter 2% of Knight Corp's shares. Now she needed to prove her value fast.

Or he might walk away from her altogether. Natalia patted her head tenderly. After.

Isabel skipped away, Natalia turned helplessly to Nancy. My health has been poor these past few years. I haven't disciplined Izzie properly.

I failed her. A coughing fit cut her off.

Madam, you worry too much. Nancy said soothingly. Isabel is a wonderful girl, devoted and thoughtful.

So what if she lies now and then? She'll grow out of it. It's hardly a serious character flaw.

Natalia's voice dropped to a whisper. But Ruby.

Never lies. Another harsher bout of coughing followed.

Nancy quickly helped her toward the stairs. All this worrying is what's keeping you from getting better.

The next day, Ruby woke with a knot in her stomach. It had been ten years since she'd last seen Natalia. She had no idea whether the woman would greet her with warmth.

Or fury. She wondered what would happen if Natalia hated her for hiding her identity. She had to tell her the truth.

Maybe then she would be forgiven. Around noon, she decided to head home to shower and change.

Owen drove her home. Matilda ordered. Owen rose without protest. As they exited the ward and headed downstairs, Leo strode toward them.

Mr. Knight.

Owen gave him a brief nod. Leo then turned to Ruby and handed her a sheet of paper.

Miss Anderson, you should take a look at this.

She accepted it, puzzled. The page listed renowned professors from top American universities.

All specializing in new energy. She looked up. What is this?

With a smug expression, Leo raised his chin.

These professors outrank Miller. Choose any for your postgraduate studies. This is Mr. Knight's generous payback for your admission troubles.

Aren't you a lucky one?

Ruby's mouth twitched.

No, thanks. She refused. Point blank.

She'd come across most of these names. In fact, they'd all emailed her at some point asking the illustrious Dr. N for advice on technical matters.

So you're sticking with Professor Miller for your graduate program? Leo snarked.

I don't know. She shrugged.

If these professors don't meet your standards, are you aiming for Dr. N?

Leo frowned.

They're highly sought after.

Even internationally. Such brilliance only accepts similar minds. Perhaps set more realistic goals.

For now, and try to reach for Dr. N during your doctorate.

Ruby shot him a bored look, then turned to Owen.

Mr. Knight, you don't need to give me a ride. I'll just grab a cab.

With that, she walked straight out of the hospital and flagged down a taxi on the street.

Owen stared at her with suspicious eyes, but said nothing.

Leo scratched his head.

I heard Isabel Vance wants to be Dr. N's student.

Is Ruby just trying to one-up her sister? Isn't she getting a little ahead of herself?

Owen, however, just stared in the direction she had gone. His handsome, intense face was unreadable.

If that's what she wants, then we'll help her get in touch with Dr. N. He said.

Leo froze. He couldn't understand why his boss was suddenly extending kindness to a woman he'd openly despised just days ago.

Meanwhile, Natalia, Isabel, and Carter arrived at the private dining room ten minutes early.

Carter frowned the moment he recognized the place. It was the same restaurant where Ruby had been waitressing earlier, and he sincerely hoped she wouldn't show up today.

After stepping out of the car, Isabel turned to her mother eagerly.

Mom, has Doctor N arrived yet?

Natalia smiled faintly.

I believe they're already waiting for us.

The three of them entered the restaurant.

Carter's gaze swept the room, alert and searching. Thankfully, Ruby was nowhere in sight.

He exhaled quietly, then turned to Isabel.

Do you really think Dr. N would consider joining Knight Corp?

Isabel flicked a glance at Natalia before lowering her voice.

Carter, go on ahead.

Introduce yourself to Dr. N and make a good impression. If you're sincere, I'm sure you can win them over.

Then she faced Natalia, her smile turning slightly stiff.

Mom, may I speak with you for a moment?

Natalia nodded and followed her toward the restroom as Carter made his way to the private room.

This was his first major assignment at the Knight Group.

Overseeing R&D, securing Dr. N would be a decisive victory, one that would cement his position within the company.

I've got this. He murmured, straightening his suit jacket before pushing the door open.

The first thing he saw was the elegant back of a woman pouring tea. Her face.

Turned away. He wondered if Dr. N was a woman.

That's unexpected. He muttered.

As he stepped closer, Carter quickly masked his surprise. His tone smooth and professional.

Hello, Dr. N. I'm Carter Knight of the Knight Group. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.

As he spoke, the woman turned slowly.

The moment he saw her face, Carter froze.

Ruby, what the hell are you doing here?

Ruby had just received Natalia's message saying she was on her way.

So she'd begun pouring tea. She simply hadn't expected him to be the one to walk in.

Again.

A flicker of amusement crossed her eyes.

Shouldn't I be asking you the same thing?

Carter's expression darkened.

Don't get your hopes up. I'm not here for you.

He glanced around the empty room.

Where's Dr. N?