Chapter 64

The handsome Bradley and the beautiful Kathie arrived together at the research institute,catching everyone's eye.

"Bradley, I can handle this on my own," Kathie said.

Bradley gave her a gentle smile. "I have my reasons for sticking around."

Knowing how dependable he was. Kathie didn't push back.

Bradley knocked on the project team's meeting room door. Inside, a group of talented individuals were already deep in discussion. Among them was a familiar face-Henry.

"Dr. Cavendish, what brings you here?" Henry's questioning tone caught the attention of the others. Everyone in the room was a notable figure, but Kathie was an unfamiliar face to them.

Bradley introduced her, "Everyone, this is my assistant, Kathie. She was also my junior in school. She'll be representing me in this research project."

Bradley came from a prestigious medical school abroad, and by mentioning that Kathie attended the same school, he emphasized her background and capabilities.

Henry sneered, "Her? I've never heard of any of her achievements.She probably doesn't even have clinical experience.She only knows a few herbs.How can she participate in an international medical research project? Is she even qualified?"

Kathie stepped forward. "Dr. Stewart, whether I'm qualifiedor not,why don't we find out?"

Kathie now understood why Bradley insisted on accompanying her.He was worried that her youth and reluctance to reveal her identity would

lead to others giving her a hard time.

Bradley spoke up. "I can assure everyone that Dr. Cavendish's medical skills surpass mine."

His statement was met with skepticism. An elderly man named Stephen Diaz stepped forward. "Dr. Brooks, this young doctor looks like she's in her twenties. She's just your assistant. How could she be more skilled than you? Are you just trying to cover for her?"

Bradley retorted, "Every field has itsrising stars. Dr. Cavendish may be my assistant, but her medical skills, especially in acupuncture, are exceptional. I am not as skilled as she is."

Henry interjected, "That's all talk. When it comes to serious illnesses,modern medicine is what we rely on."

Kathie calmly replied, "Whether it's traditional practices or modern medicine, as long as it can save lives, it's good medicine. This gathering of medical talents from various countries is to learn from each other's strengths and save more patients. If you can't see that, have you forgotten the duty of a doctor due to your arrogance?"

Henry was left speechless, seething with anger. He looked down on Kathie and couldn't stand the idea of working with her, so he deliberately made things difficult for her.

"If you want to participate, can you even identify the thousands of herbs in the research institute? Each herb has its own medicinal value, unlike the few herbs you know from home!" Henry pressed on.

Stephen chimed in, "Although Dr. Stewart's words are harsh, they are true.

If Dr. Cavendish can't even identify the herbs. how can she be part of this important project?"

"She's probably just trying to use everyone's work to boost her own

reputation," others cut in.

Kathie was indeed young and unknown, so it was hard for them to accept her participation in such an important project. Despíte Bradley's introduction, they didn't show her any respect.

Feeling emboldened by the support of others, Henry continued, "Dr.Cavendish, you heard them. It's not just me who doubts you. If you're here with ulterior motives, you can leave now."

Bradley wanted to speak up, but Kathie stopped him with a look.She confidently stepped forward. "I get it. You have doubts. So, I'll prove myself with my skills. Dr. Stewart mentioned there are thousands of herbs here. Each of you can pick a few. If I can't identify even one, I'll leave immediately."

Henry sneered, "You're so full of yourself. This institute has herbs from all over the world, some of which even I haven't seen. You're making a big claim, which shows how boastful you are."

Stephen frowned. "Dr. Cavendish, even I, with decades of experience in herbal research, wouldn't make such a claim. You're overestimating yourself."

"Exactly, no one here would accept such a challenge," Henry snorted.

Bradley was worried. He knew Kathie's abilities, but identifying herbs from other countries was uncertain.

He whispered, "Kathie, don't act on impulse. If you show them your skills over time, you can dispel their prejudice and doubts."

Kathie smiled bitterly. "Bradley, I know you mean well, but no one .believes in me now. It will be tough for me going forward. It's better to prove myself now, and everything will be easier later."

"Are you confident? If not, you could reveal your identity."

"Don't worry; I've got this."

Kathie had traveled the world and studied herbs extensively. It wasn't for nothing.

Bradley nodded and spoke up, "Since Dr. Cavendish has made such a statement. I'll also pick a few herbs. I want to see her skills. If she can't identify them. I'll take her away."

Henry mocked. "Dr. Brooks, if you take her away now, no one will say anything. But if she fails to identify the herbs and embarrasses herself,she won't be able to stay in Eldoria."

Kathie glanced at himn. "Dr. Stewart, you talk too much. Why don't you go find the most difficult herbs for me to identify? If I fail even once,I'll leave immediately."

Henry gritted his teeth. He had never met someone so arrogant. "Fine, you said it yourself. If you lose, don't blame us for being harsh.I'm sure everyone here is curious about Dr. Cavendish's abilities. Let's all go to the herb library and pick some herbs."

Everyone had no choice but to follow Kathie's suggestion and went to the herb library to pick a few herbs each.

To be fair, Bradley picked a few random herbs, while Henry deliberately chose rare herbs from other countries.

Each of the ten people picked several different herbs, totaling nearly a hundred. If Kathie could identify them all, it would be impressive.

Kathie remained calm."Who wants to start?"

Bradley looked at Stephen. "You're the elder; you should start."

Stephen nodded and brought the herbs he had carefully selected.Seeing her youth, he didn't have high expectations.

"I have six herbs here. If you can identify four, you'll pass my test."Stephen wanted to give her more chances because she was young.

Kathie appreciated it. "Thank you, Professor Diaz. I should be able to manage."

Kathie took the herbs, examined them closely, and sniffed them.Everyone watched her intently, finding it quite interesting.

Henry,seeing her delay, mocked, "What's wrong? Can't identify even one?"

Kathie ignored him and addressed Stephen, "St. John's Wort,Oregano,Comfrey, Oregano Oil, Vervain, Lemon Balm."

Stephen looked at her in disbelief, while Henry sneered, "You're just making things up. Who can name herbs so quickly?"