The Dean said to the Director, “I received an order from above. Our research results cannot be revealed to Country Z. The reason we agreed to hold this symposium in Country Z is because the new shareholder from Country Z now has control over us. We have no choice, but we belong to Country M, and these findings should stay in Country M. Once they are made public, what advantage do we have?”
The Director knew that this was not just about the hospital wanting to keep things hidden, but rather a deeper involvement from above.
“And another thing, although Dr Jane has made significant contributions, taking her along is understandable, but don’t forget that she is from Country Z. Where do her loyalties lie? You should be well aware. How could you choose to bring her along? This matter should have been kept hidden from her from the beginning. You are simply asking for trouble.” The Dean felt that the Director had handled this matter improperly.
“I thought she was suitable. I didn’t think too much about it at the time.”
“She has already become an attending physician. We can’t let her take too much credit. It will be difficult to control her in the future. She is capable, and we can keep her here to conduct research for us, but we can’t let her soar too high. Otherwise, we won’t be able to restrain…”
“I have asked her to prepare the materials for the trip to Country Z. She should have them almost ready.” The Director’s voice was low. She knew that the Dean would not be pleased.
Sure enough, the Dean frowned. “What? What were you thinking? By having her organize the materials, she will take all of our research findings back to Country Z, won’t she? You should know that what we have researched has cost us a fortune. Are we going to share it with Country Z for free?”
The Director still wanted to bring Freya along, “I have already agreed to take her. If I suddenly regret it, it might raise suspicion. It’s better to still bring her along. I will personally go through the materials she has organized and extract our important research findings.”
The Dean knew that Freya was a valuable asset and didn’t want to lose her. “Hmm, just be more careful in the future.”
“I understand.”
Later, the Dean walked out of the Director’s office.
Freya hid around the corner, holding the stack of data. Watching the Dean’s retreating figure, she couldn’t help but feel ironic. The theme of this symposium was “Life Knows No Borders.” but the reality was far from it.
Just like between countries and between people, there will always be conflicts of interest. Life also has its boundaries.
She held the stack of documents as she returned to her office, extracting the key data. If it wasn’t for the fact that the institute knew these were what the higher-ups wanted, she wouldn’t have access to them.
What was the point of this symposium if she couldn’t bring these things back?
She must find a way to take them with her but she couldn’t rely on the Director.
Freya put the extracted data into a drawer and took the unimportant ones to give to the Director. Tammy Martin stood at the doorway, seeing off the Dean, and was about to go find Freya when she arrived.
“You come in with me.” Tammy Martin said as she walked over to her desk and sat down.
Freya willingly handed over the documents.
“These are the materials I prepared for the symposium. Take a look.” Freya said.
The Director glanced at her and then began previewing the materials one by one. After finishing, she looked up in surprise, “You only prepared these?”
Freya nodded, looking a little lost, “Are they not enough?”
Tammy hesitated and asked, “Our research findings are more extensive than this.”
Freya answered, “I thought it might be appropriate to retain some things…”
“You’re from Country Z.” Said Tammy.
“But I’m currently living in Country M.”
The Director, despite her goodwill, couldn’t deny the competition between countries. She had no choice.
“You’ve prepared well.” Said Tammy.
Freya lowered her head, hiding the fleeting expression in her eyes.
…
Country Z.
Since Elijah knew that Freya was not dead, he couldn’t give up on finding her. Calista was a dead end, she had no idea about Freya’s whereabouts. He could only find a way to break Sivin Peters’ silence. Everyone has their vulnerabilities. Dealing with someone like Sivin required a firm hand.
“If you still refuse to talk, I’ll bring your wife and children here to keep you company.”
Elijah stood with his hands behind his back in a square room. Sivin had just been locked up, he had yet to experience the pain of confinement.
“You’re despicable,” Sivin exclaimed, angry. “If you have the guts, come at me!”