She Quit Her Family and Found Herself novel Chapter 86

This time, however, Herbert didn't offer his usual annoyed reassurance. He didn't say, *"It's not your fault, Hulda is just throwing a tantrum, ignore her."*

Instead, he said, "You're an unmarried woman. I've thought about it, and it really isn't appropriate for you to keep living here. If word gets out, it could damage your reputation. It's best if you find a suitable place and move out as soon as possible. Don't worry about the rent—the company will cover all your expenses."

Sylvie's nails dug painfully into her palms, but she kept her face completely smooth. She nodded meekly. "Understood, Mr. Jewell. I'll have Victor take me to see the apartments this week. I'll go to sleep now. Goodnight."

With that, she slipped out of the study as quickly as possible.

Silence reclaimed the room.

Herbert stared at the perfectly warmed drink and the untouched pastries sitting at his elbow. Even though his stomach was uncomfortably hollow, he felt absolutely zero desire to eat.

Frowning, he pushed the tray to the very edge of his desk and went back to grading.

...

The next morning, Hulda arrived at the institute feeling entirely refreshed. Following yesterday's dramatic events, the atmosphere in the building had shifted dramatically. The way people looked at her, the way they spoke to her—everything was different.

Even the security guard at the front desk beamed, offering a crisp, respectful salute. "Good morning, Director Atherton!"

As soon as she stepped into the main lobby, the elevator doors chimed open. Ursula Delaney walked out, her face deathly pale, clutching a cardboard box filled with her personal belongings.

When Ursula saw Hulda, she froze. A chaotic storm of emotions swirled in her eyes—jealousy, deep resentment, acute humiliation, profound anxiety, and crushing regret.

In the end, she didn't say a single word. She lowered her head and practically fled toward the exit.

Harvey Dalton chose that exact moment to step out from the hallway. He watched Ursula go, shaking his head with an exaggerated sigh. "What a fool. We're scientists. We're supposed to rely on our own brilliance. To stoop to plagiarism... it's absolutely disgraceful..."

Then, as if suddenly realizing Hulda was standing right there, a wide, ingratiating smile plastered itself across his face. "Good morning, Director Atherton!"

"Morning." Hulda's expression remained perfectly neutral. She offered a minimal nod. She didn't praise Harvey's sudden moral high ground, nor did she kick Ursula while she was down. Without wasting another word, she walked straight to the elevator.

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