Chapter 322

Everyone at the institute had been spreading rumors that Zelda got in through connections. However, Ainsley's announcement just slapped those rumors right in the face. With her identity as Sheila now revealed, it was clearly an honor for the institute to have her. It was ridiculous that anyone suggested she needed to pull strings to get in. Moreover, they were stunned to discover that the renowned Sheila was so young, barely in her early 20s. The revelation of her true identity left them speechless. The moment her true identity was revealed, someone could not help but murmur, "No wonder Zelda got lab access as soon as she arrived at the institute—it's because she's Sheila Wade!" "And here we were, thinking she used connections to get in. With credentials like hers, the institute probably begged her to come," another person commented. "Tsk, someone must've spread those rumors out of jealousy," a third voice added. As the whispers rippled through the crowd, the mood shifted. Everyone suddenly started scrambling to get on Zelda's good side, worried about the consequences of their previous behavior. Zelda gave the crowd a dismissive glance before standing beside Ainsley and Jenna. "That video circulating at the institute was simply Mr. Brown taking me home for dinner with Mrs. Brown. I'll investigate why someone deliberately twisted this situation, and whoever spread these rumors won't get away with it." Her piercing gaze fell on Esme as she spoke. Behind Esme, Oscar shrank back nervously. If Oscar had known Zelda was Sheila, he would never have targeted her at the institute. Panic flashed in his eyes as he remembered the video he posted. Although he had used a burner account to post the video, a thorough investigation would trace it back to him. After years of climbing the ladder at the institute, the last thing he wanted was expulsion. His eyes turned to Esme, a silent plea for help. Meanwhile, Ainsley frowned when he heard Zelda's declaration. His expression darkened as his sharp eyes swept across the crowd. "Is this true? If so, we'll definitely need to investigate thoroughly. The institute has no room for such parasites." Oscar trembled and reached out to grab Esme's arm. However, Esme immediately jerked away in disgust, appalled that he would dare to touch her in public. Noticing Esme's expression, Oscar quickly withdrew his hand and remained still. "Mr. Brown, it's my birthday today. Let's head upstairs first and deal with this investigation when we return to the institute tomorrow," Zelda said, supporting Ainsley's arm. Ainsley nodded, letting her lead him away without further comment. As Zelda and the group of medical field's elite figures went upstairs, Esme's expression grew increasingly dark. Her anticipated birthday celebration had been completely overshadowed by Zelda. Nonetheless, she took a deep breath to steady herself. With a forced smile, she addressed the lingering crowd, "Everyone, please head in. The party is about to begin." Just as she finished speaking, the Grand Daprein Hotel suddenly lit up. Bright, colorful lights outlined the words on the building's exterior—"Happy Birthday, Ms. Zelda Cantrell."