Chapter 104
She was polite, but distant.
It felt like a wad of
what to say or do
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Otton was stuck in his chest, suffocating and impossible to dislodge. He had no idea
After a pause, Calvin finally spoke, barely believing what he was hearing.
“You don’t want to come back?”
“My lab is the best in the entire school–the most advanced. You’re almost at graduation. You can’t transfer now. If you want to finish your research properly, you’ll have to work in my lab.”
“Don’t be impulsive. You’ll regret it when it’s too late.”
Scarlett’s voice was calm and steady. “Do you remember why I left, Professor Miller?”
She left because of the isolation. Because every bit of research she worked tirelessly on was handed off to someone else. Because even after retreating to a tiny corner, she still got framed.
Why would she go back to that lab?
To suffer more?
Calvin froze. His gaze trembled violently.
Most of what had happened back then came from Rebecca’s one–sided claims. He’d never looked into it. He hadn’t even stood firm on believing Scarlett’s innocence.
If she returned, what guarantee was there that the same things wouldn’t happen again?
He hurried to explain. “I can discipline the ones who gave you trouble. Scully, I’m only reaching out because I care. I’m worried you’ll go down the wrong path out of spite.”
Scarlett was already low on patience. But out of respect for their past teacher–student relationship, she kept
her tone even.
“Professor Miller, are you really worried I’ll go astray, or are you just afraid your bid for academician this year won’t have strong enough backing?”
Calvin’s expression shifted instantly. His voice took on an edge.
“Scarlett, I’ve lowered myself to talk to you, all for your future, and this is how you repay me? You really think you’ve made it with one breakthrough? You think everyone wants a piece of you? You’re not even close . But you have no sense of crisis, no grasp of the risks ahead. When things go wrong down the line, don’t come begging me for help.”
He turned and stormed off, not looking back.
Scarlett remained in place, unmoved.
Back when she left the lab, she already knew Calvin’s time abroad was all to prepare for his bid academician. But something had always been missing. That’s why he’d pinned such hopes on Rebecca’s work.
as an
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Unfortunately for him…
But none of that had anything to do with her anymore.
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Before she could catch her breath, more experts swarmed her, all pressing her to name her doctoral advisor.
She could barely escape. She had to firmly state she’d already decided to study under John and politely ask them to stop hounding her.
When they realized they couldn’t land her as a student, they started asking for co–author rights on her paper instead.
Scarlett went quiet..
Her head was pounding.
She had just barely managed to escape–and then ran straight into Stanley and Eugene.
She cursed her luck and turned to flee, but Stanley moved faster and blocked her path.
Meanwhile, Rebecca was sobbing into Martha’s arms.
But tears from the losing side were worthless. Aside from the Joyner family, no one cared how devastated she was.
Martha was heartbroken. She gently dabbed away Rebecca’s tears.
“Don’t cry, Rebecca. This was all that b*tch Scarlett’s fault. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she pays.”
Rebecca shook her head. “She was better than me. I lost fair and square.”
“You ? Lose to her? Impossible.”
It was Connor who said that. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
No one had noticed when he arrived. He stepped forward and handed Rebecca a few tissues when she looked up.
“Everyone fails at some point. If success came that easy, the world would be chaos.”
Rebecca reached out and accepted the tissues, surprised.
She had been terrified after her failure, thinking she’d have to work hard to win Connor’s support again. But he had come to her on his own.
Worried about messing things up again, she didn’t speak–just wiped her tears pitifully.
Connor’s tone was gentle, his voice deliberately soft. “I believe in you. You’ll achieve even greater things. Now wipe those tears, I’ll take you to meet the Lane family rep. Don’t worry–I’ve already spoken to him. He’s willing to help.”
Rebecca’s eyes flew open in shock.
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She’d thought everything was ruined–that it would take a massive effort to repair her reputation. But just when she needed it most, Connor had delivered exactly what she needed.
Oliver lit up with excitement. “From the Lane family?”
Connor nodded. “Their rep was in the audience earlier. He said Rebecca’s overall performance was promising. With a little guidance, she could become a rising star in academia.”
Oliver clapped Rebecca on the shoulder, clearly elated.
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