Chapter 78

"Why are you grinning like that? Are you thinking something naughty?"Katie asked,gripping Jonathan's hair as she washed it.

Jonathan opened his dreamy eyes and stared directly at her, making Katie s heart flutter. She quickly covered his eyes with bubbles.

Jonathan yelped. "Did you get soap in your eyes again?"

Katie immediately rinsed it away with water. "That's what happens when you stare. Keep your thoughts appropriate, or you'll regret it."

Katie really had no sense of romance.

"Did you have to be so harsh?" Jonathan protested.

"Then behave yourself, or tomorrow I'll have the housekeeper wash your hair instead."

Hearing her stern tone, Jonathan knew she meant business. He lay still, not daring to move again.

Feeling the gentle pressure of her fingers and inhaling the bathroom's fragrance,Jonathan smiled contentedly.

"This is nice," he murmured.

Katie paused, wondering what he was thinking.

The next day, Jonathan joined them in the car. He was heading back to the office to handle some business matters.

The three children couldn't have been happier in the car,acting as if their parents were taking them to school.

"This is awesome! Seven can take us to school," Eileen said, holding his

hand.

"Can Seven pick us up after school too?" Zachary asked excitedly.

Kyle thought for a moment before saying. "It feels like having Mom and Dad around."

The car fell silent. It was clear the children longed for a father figure.

Jonathan cleared his throat to break the awkward silence. "I don't have much to do today. Once I'm finished, Ben and I will pick you up. If we're early,how about we go have some fun before heading home?"

The children cheered, "Seven is the best!"

Katie gave him a look. "Don't just focus on having fun. Remember,absolutely no walking, and you must take the medicine I prepared for you.

"

Jonathan frowned slightly. She certainly knew how to ruin the mood when they were having such a good time.

"If I find out you've been secretly exercising, you'll be in trouble when we get home," Katie said sternly.

Ben caught Jonathan's submissive expression in the rearview mirror and fought back a smile. At Berkeley Family, no one dared speak to him like that.Only Katie could keep him in line.

If Jonathan and Katie ever got married, Jonathan would definitely be wrapped around his wife's finger.

After dropping the children at school, Ben drove Katie to the research institute.

As Katie stepped out of the car, she noticed the strange looks from her colleagues, This recent incident had significantly affected her reputation.

She probably couldn't stay here much longer.

Taking a deep breath as she prepared to enter, someone called out to her.

She turned to see Bradley standing behind her. "Bradley, what brings you here?" she asked.

"I came to pick up some documents, and to apologize. I heard about the rumors. I'm so sorry for all the trouble I've caused you."

Even with his face blurred in those videos. Bradley had recognized himself.

Furious after discovering Amelia was behind it, he'd come to confront her but didn't want to worry Katie,hence the excuse about documents.Seeing Katie hesitating at the entrance, he knew the incident had taken its toll on

her.

Katie forced a smile. "It's not your fault. You were just standing up for me.At least it didn't affect you."

She would have felt even more guilty if Bradley had been dragged into the mess.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure this is resolved," he assured her.

"You'd better not get involved, or else..."

"Bradley, you're here!" Katie was interrupted by Amelia's voice. Having just arrived, Amelia had spotted Bradley at the entrance and approached with a bright smile.

Bradley showed no warmth toward her, fixing her with a cold stare."Dr.Griffin,you uploaded those rumors about Katie, didn't you?"

Amelia froze but quickly denied it. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."

Bradley said gravely, "I strongly suggest you explain the truth to everyone,

or T'll take legal action against you."

Amelia hadn't expected him to investigate. She assumed Katie must have gone to him.

"I really didn't do anything. You're misunderstanding me," she insisted.

Katie stepped forward. "The truth will out!"

Amelia pushed past her. "I don't know what you're talking about. I have to go." She hurried away, determined not to let Katie remain at the institute.

Bradley called after Amelia, "I'm giving you one day to apologize publicly,or you'll face the consequences!"

Amelia thought, 'Damn! What did Katie do to have all these men wrapped around her finger?'

With people already watching Katie, now everyone's attention was focused on her.

Katie sighed, wishing she could disappear into the ground from embarrassment.

"Bradley,you should go now. I need to get to work."

Bradley nodded. "Keep your chin up. I'll help you through this."

Katie smiled awkwardly, not really wanting his intervention.

In the laboratory, Katie felt everyone avoiding her,which hurt.

Amelía made a snide remark, "If I were you, I'd be too ashamed to show my face here. Even with your skills, poor character isn't welcome in our research institute."

Henry said irritably. "Dr. Cavendish, I warned you yesterday about your personal conduct. Now everyone's talking about you, and our project team has become a laughingstock."

Katie frowned but remained silent.

Amelia pushed further, "Dr. Stewart, why not just let her go? She's only embarrassing us by staying."

Katie shot her a piercing look. "I wouldn't deign to work with people like you anyway. Instead of gossiping aboutothers, you should focus on your tasks. If you fail to complete them, you'll be the ones disgracing our country."

"Then leave! No one's begging you to stay," Amelia said, hoping to push her out.

Katie nodded firmly. "Don't worry, I will-after I complete this data set.

Even if you beg me to stay afterward, I won't."

Henry frowned slightly. Though he disliked Katie's attitude, her exceptional abilities consistently solved problems faster than anyone else.With her on the team, the project would progress swiftly, likely winning awards.

But her issues were too troublesome. If she left, he wouldn't stop her. The project could still succeed without her.

"Don't be overconfident," Henry said coldly. "Don't make promises you can't keep, or you'll regret it later."

Katie glared at him. "I know you dislike me, and I certainly don't like you either. Always finding fault with me-I stand by my word, and I don't .need your reminders."

"You don't recognize good intentions," Henry replied. He was actually

warning her not to speak so definitively, lest she change her mind about leaving later.

Katie didn't need his concern. If he wanted her to stay, it was only because he valued what she could contribute.