Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1238

“I’ve read your papers before. Your insights were honestly eye-opening. Some of the ideas behind our latest project actually came straight from your work.”

“Really?” Robert looked surprised, but there was a spark of pride in his eyes.

He knew exactly what he’d written. He could tell Walter was being generous, but it still felt good.

“My papers have been out for a while, but you’re the only team that’s actually brought those ideas to life. All I did was sketch out a framework. You’re the ones who made it real.”

Audrey smiled, her lips curving just a bit. “You’re too humble, Robert.”

After they’d finished showing him around The Smith Group, Walter and Audrey led Robert back to the office for a break. Walter asked someone to bring in some tea.

Audrey settled on the sofa next to Robert and kept the conversation going. She leaned in, her tone curious but friendly. “I heard you left your old research institute. Do you have something new in mind? If you’re exploring your options, would you be open to working with us in the future?”

She and Walter had tried to look into his background, but the details were pretty vague. His old institute hadn’t shared much either.

Robert shook his head. “Not really. I’m taking a break for now. My last job was intense and it caught up with me, so I’m just focusing on my health. At the moment, I’m only giving a few university lectures. I haven’t planned anything else yet.”

Walter’s eyes lit up for a second. “So you’re kind of a free agent right now? Would you ever consider being our technical consultant?”

Robert hadn’t expected that. He paused, caught off guard, but then smiled politely.

“That’s a bit sudden, isn’t it?”

They were all sharp, and Robert quickly thought back to how they’d run into each other earlier that day. He couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Wilson, did you actually go there hoping to see me?”

He looked at the two of them with a smile. “So even if I don’t become your consultant, you’d still introduce me to this miracle doctor?”

Walter grinned. “Of course. Even if you’re not our consultant, we can still be friends. And friends help each other. Introducing you to a good doctor is the least we can do.”

Audrey nodded. “You’re one of the top minds in this field. You’ve done so much for science. We want you to stay healthy, that’s all.”

Seeing how genuinely they cared, Robert had no reason to doubt them. He smiled warmly. “Well, thank you. As for the consultant idea, I’ll have to think it over.”

He wasn’t saying no.

Walter and Audrey, who hadn’t really expected much, suddenly looked hopeful. They both replied right away, “Of course, take your time. And about the doctor, we meant it. If you ever need anything, just ask.”