I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 291

The smile on Seraphina Shaw's lips faltered.

Nora Newman didn't wait for her to respond. She swept her gaze across everyone in the conference room and spoke with cool authority. "Our Phase II trial has just begun. Annabel's preliminary data is positive. This is a clear signal—it tells us this path is viable. As for how far we can take it, that’s our next objective. Celebrating a milestone won't derail our work."

She didn't look at Seraphina, but everyone in the room knew exactly who the comment was meant for.

The smile completely vanished from Seraphina's face. With a cold scoff, she stood up, grabbed her designer bag, shoved the conference room doors open, and walked out.

The room fell silent for a couple of seconds before Felix Ford broke the tension. "Alright, alright, meeting adjourned. Rest if you need to, work overtime if you must. But Director Newman gave the order for some time off, so everyone go home and get some sleep."

The team members broke into relieved smiles and filed out of the room.

Nora turned off the projector screen and backed up the data to her personal hard drive.

By the time she finished packing her things, she was the only one left in the conference room. She had practically forced Felix to go home and rest.

Nora stood there in a daze for a moment, suddenly unsure of who to share this victory with.

She pulled out her phone. Looking at the top of her contact list, her eyes landed on Xander Harrison.

She pursed her lips, suddenly feeling a strong urge to tell him.

After a brief hesitation, she sent Xander a text: Phase II, Stage One passed.

Once the message was sent, she let out a long breath, picked up her laptop bag, and headed out.

Just as she reached the parking garage, her phone chimed. Nora pulled it out and saw Xander's reply.

Congratulations.

Just one word.

Nora looked at the screen and smiled. She wasn't entirely sure why, but her mood inexplicably lifted.

She started the car, planning to stop by the grocery store to pick up some ingredients.

Nora set the bags on the console table, swapped her shoes, and stepped into the living room.

Zelda's house always carried the faint, comforting scent of herbal remedies.

Nora sat on the sofa while Zelda poured her a cup of herbal tea, then turned back toward the kitchen to check on the stove.

"You mentioned yesterday that there was progress with the trial?" Zelda's voice carried out from the kitchen.

"Yes. The sample data for the first stage of Phase II is looking great. One of our little patients finally has stable vitals."

Zelda peeked out from the kitchen, her face glowing with pride. "That's wonderful news. I knew you could do it."

Nora smiled. "You spoil me, Zelda."

Zelda dried her hands on a towel and walked over, taking a seat across from Nora.

She studied Nora for a moment, hesitating slightly before speaking up. "About that matter I brought up last time... have you given it any more thought?"