Chapter 65

Henry couldn't believe Kathie could identify the exact herbs just by smelling them. Even the most seasoned herbalists needed labels to tell them apart. How could someone so young possibly do it?

He was waiting for Kathie to mess up, but to his surprise, Stephen nodded."Wow, you got them all right. I thought you were kidding, but you really know your stuff."

Kathie smiled. "Thanks for the compliment."

Next up was Bradley, and Kathie nailed his six herbs too.

Henry couldn't accept this. He shook his head furiously and shouted, "This is impossible! You all must be helping her by picking easy ones!"

Kathie calmly replied, "Then bring over the herbs you picked. They must be difficult,right?"

Henry handed over his carefully selected, rare, and hard-to-identify herbs.He had chosen the most challenging ones, and he didn't believe Kathie could get them all right.

Kathie examined them closely, sniffing each one. For some she wasn't sure about, she used a disposable cup to steep the herbs in water, taking her time.

To Henry, this all seemed like a show.

"Well, have you figured it out yet? You haven't named a single one,"he mocked.

Kathie tasted the herbs with the tip of her tongue and finally made her decision. "I'm ready."

Henry's eyes widened as Kathie began, "This is Rhodiola from Novara, also

found in Astrania and Luminara, but slightly different from our domestic variety. The second one is Angelica from Zypheria, the third is Gentian from Draconis..."

Henry was stunned as Kathie accurately named herb after herb, some of which he hadn't even heard of.

If the others had chosen domestic herbs to help her, he had picked one from each country, and she still got them all right.

How could this be? How did she know all of them?

No one had given her any hints, and it was her first time here.

Stephen clapped, and the others looked at Kathie with admiration. Bradley had no idea Kathie had this surprise in store.

It seemed that even if he hadn't come today, Kathie would have handled it easily.

To be fair, Kathie got all the herbs right, and the room erupted in cheers.

Even Henry had to admit that Kathie was truly remarkable.

Stephen extended his hand. "Dr. Cavendish,welcome to our project team.I believe your presence will be a tremendousasset."

Kathie shook his hand. "I won't let you down."

She glanced at Henry, who reluctantly nodded. "You're impressive.

Welcome aboard." Despite her skills, he still looked down on her personal style.

Kathie didn't care what he thought. Making a skeptic acknowledge her .was her skill.

Bradley sighed in relief. "Now it's up to you. I'm heading back to the

hospital."

Kathie was grateful and saw him to the door. "Don't worry, I can handle it.

"

Back in the office, the sound of high heels echoed outside, and a stunning woman with long hair walked in. Kathie thought she might be in the wrong place.

"Sorry, I'm a bit late," the woman said, scanning the room with a smile that quickly vanished when she didn't find her target. "Is Dr. Brooks not here yet?"

Henry teased, "You might be disappointed. Dr. Brooks isn't joining this project. His assistant Kathie is handling it. He left five minutes ago; you just missed him."

This was Amelia Griffin, the research director's daughter, known as the most beautiful doctor in Eldoria.

Amelia looked at Kathie with disdain. "What qualifies you to replace Dr.Brooks? Did you use some underhanded means?"

Stephen defended Kathie. "Dr. Griffin, Dr. Cavendish's abiliies are evident to everyone here. She is more than capable."

The others nodded in agreement, showing their support for Kathie.

Amelia laughed coldly, "Forget it, her presence will just add some fun.Since Dr. Brooks isn't here, I'll attend to other matters. Call me if you need anything."

She shot Kathie a disdainful look before leaving,exuding arrogance.

Kathie,targeted for no reason, found Amelia's hostility baffling.Did Amelia see her as a rival?

At the Berkeley Group. Ben wheeled Jonathan back into the company.

The entire place buzzed with excitement.

In the conference room, directors and shareholders were in a heated discussion, interrupted by the sudden opening of the door.

They turned to see who had interrupted, and their eyes nearly popped out."Mr.Jonathan Berkeley?"

Jonathan raised his hand and smiled. "It's my first time seeing you all so animated."

When he was in charge, no one dared to speak so boldly.

Harold glared at Jonathan, who was supposed to be dead,with hatred.

"Mr. Jonathan Berkeley, it's good to have you back."

"Yes, we finally have our leader again."

"Mr.Jonathan Berkeley, please take charge."

The directors eagerly welcomed Jonathan's return.

Jonathan signaled to Ben, who wheeled him over to Harold.

"Harold, I'm back," Jonathan said.

Harold clenched his fists. "It's good you're back. You look seriously injured;you should go to the hospital."

Jonathan's voice turned cold. "I mean, you should step down."

Harold's father, Gerald, quickly stood up. "Even though you're back,this position belongs to Harold. Are we supposed to let a cripple lead?"

Jonathan's icy gaze made Gerald uneasy, "Harold's head is bandaged, yet

he's sitting here. Me being in a wheelchair shouldn't be an issue."

He added. "Harold, you're the eldest of the Berkeley family. How could you let yourself be bullied and the shareholders oppressed? You and your father are truly incompetent."

Jonathan's harsh words left Gerald and Harold humiliated.

Gerald fumed. "Jonathan, I'm still your elder. How can you speak like this?

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Jonathan retorted, "Am I wrong? While I was away, did you accomplish anything? From what I know, you didn't. You even lost several key projects and orders to competitors, didn't you?"

Jonathan's words cut deep, each one a blow to Gerald and Harold.

Jonathan's father, William Berkeley, nodded approvingly. "Since Jonathan is back, you should take Harold to the hospital. Don't delay his treatment."

Jonathan agreed, "Indeed, you being here is pointless."

Facing the critical stares, Gerald gritted his teeth and had no choice but to let Harold step down for Jonathan.

Gerald warned, "Don't get too cocky. The battle isn't overyet."