When it was his turn to talk, Mr. Barnes got straight to the point.

“Thank you for welcoming me. I'll keep this short," he began, his gaze briefly meeting Maria's.

"I want to share my expertise with the medical practitioners here, but I need someone to help with a demonstration. Ideally, a young woman. Any volunteers?"

As Mr. Barnes finished speaking, Mrs. Jenkins called out, "Maria, come over here!"

When Mrs. Jenkins called out her name, Maria didn't show any sign of being caught off guard.