Calista had always been a source of admiration, but never had she been treated with such blatant disregard.
She was once the rising star of the medical field, but now, compared to Vivienne, she felt like a plain sparrow next to a phoenix, not even worth a single strand of Vivienne's hair.
"I didn't mean it like that; I just..." Calista tried to defend herself, but Vivienne didn't give her the chance.
"Didn't you ask me to share my experience and insights, Calista? Did you not notice that your new theory is flawed after hearing me speak about my paper?"
Calista's eyes widened in shock. Her gaze was fixed on Vivienne, as if she wanted to tear her apart limb from limb.
Her theory was flawed? What a joke!
Even if Vivienne was the brilliant Eunice, did that give her the right to tarnish her paper?
Her research was recognized by professionals in the field and even won awards immediately after its publication.
"Vivienne," Professor Madison asked respectfully, "could you specify what's wrong with Calista's paper?"
Vivienne answered calmly, "Her experimental data was affected by the environment. Both temperature and humidity are crucial factors. Calista only took into account the temperature during the experiment but overlooked how the recent hot and humid weather could have affected the results."
She looked at Calista, whose face was gradually turning pale, and asked mockingly, "Unless I'm mistaken, the variables you set are also problematic, right?"
Even a non-professional would know that under such circumstances, the experimental results would be inaccurate.
She pointed out several issues that none of the professors or researchers present had noticed, immediately earning everyone's admiration.
"No wonder she's Eunice. She spotted the issues at a glance. I could study for another twenty years and still not reach her level."
"I'm glad I attended this seminar today, or I would have regretted it."
Professor Madison also nodded in agreement, then turned to the ashen-faced Calista. "Calista, there's always someone better out there. Vivienne is far superior to you. It's ludicrous for you to doubt her knowledge."
Calista felt like she had lost all her dignity. She wished she could just dig a hole and hide in it forever.
She was a renowned doctor.
She was the pride of the Pendleton family.
But in front of Vivienne, her knowledge and reputation meant nothing. They vanished like snowflakes in the sun.
"Vivienne, could I ask you to sit with us for a while?"
"Vivienne, could I trouble you to look at my paper for a few minutes?"
No one paid any attention to Calista anymore. Instead, they were all flocking to Vivienne, hoping to learn from her and get a taste of her knowledge.
"Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now." With that, Vivienne turned and left.
As she watched Vivienne's retreating figure, Calista's eyes filled with a loathsome hatred.
Why could Vivienne easily steal her glory? Even Percival only had eyes for her.
Everyone gave her all their attention and respect without even caring about anyone else. Worse, Vivienne didn't even care.
Calista had never felt so defeated. She gritted her teeth as her heart burned and ached with envy and hatred.
She would not lose to Vivienne.
She would make Vivienne realize that there could only be one legend in the medical field, and only she, Calista, was worthy of Percival.
If Vivienne tried to stop her, she would kick this stumbling block out of her way and completely destroy her.
Before the medical seminar ended, Vivienne left and returned to the Brooks Mansion.
"Vivienne!"
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