Chapter 242

Oscar was stunned under Simon's sharp gaze. Simon wasn't just a medical prodigy or Ainsley's protégé—he was also the heir to one of the Big Four families in Daprein. Crossing him was a risk Oscar couldn't afford. Just as Oscar started sweating bullets, Esme stepped forward to intervene. "Simon, there's no need to be so harsh. Zelda was parachuted into the lab, and given how young she is, it's only natural for people to gossip. Perhaps Oscar just got caught up in those rumors." Simon's cold gaze flicked to Oscar. "If gossip is enough to sway someone into slander, then we'd be drowning in lies. The institute is a place for serious medical research and collaboration—not a playground for baseless rumors and petty politics." Simon's words rendered Oscar utterly speechless. Esme remained calm, tilting her head slightly as she addressed Zelda, "The institute's annual exam is in a week. Why don't you participate, Zelda? If you manage to achieve a stellar result, I'm sure all the gossip wil