She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 137

Hulda still wasn't entirely convinced Dr. Atherton was behind the extravagant gift. It simply wasn't his style.

The man had dedicated his entire life to scientific research. He had no wife, no children, and was notoriously indifferent to his own appearance. Why would he suddenly think to buy her a couture outfit, let alone a dazzling diamond brooch?

Needing confirmation, she immediately called him.

"Clothes?" Dr. Atherton's voice crackled through the speaker, sounding utterly bewildered.

"Yes. A couture suit was just delivered to my office. The courier said you sent it for me to wear on Friday."

There was a long, suspicious beat of silence on the other end of the line before Dr. Atherton finally spoke again. "Ah. Yes. I sent it. Just wear it."

"Did you really?" Hulda laughed, staring at the glittering jewel. "What about the diamond brooch? Was that you too?"

This time, he answered a bit faster. "Yes, of course it was me. Make sure you wear it. Friday is your big debut. You need to look the part."

Hulda couldn't help but smile, completely amused.

Since when did he care about looking the part? Back when he used to host conferences, he was famous for showing up in whatever rumpled polo shirt he grabbed off the floor, sparking endless whispers from the press.

"Alright, I'll wear it," Hulda agreed warmly.

Since he had confirmed it, she pushed her lingering doubts aside.

Running her hand over the luxurious fabric, she smiled. Her mentor really had spared no expense. This single outfit was easily worth ten times what she had planned to buy at the mall, and that wasn't even factoring in the diamonds.

"Director Atherton, is that what you'll be wearing on Friday?" Back in professional mode, Abby had seamlessly switched back to using Hulda's formal title.

"Yes. Dr. Atherton sent it, so I absolutely have to wear it," Hulda said with a nod.

"He really treats you so well, like you're his own daughter." In the past, Abby might have cynically assumed Hulda was just a nepo baby skating by on favoritism. But after watching Hulda dominate the labs, her respect was absolute. She meant every word genuinely.

Hulda stared at the clothes, her gaze softening. "He does. He really does."

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