She was polite, but distant.

It felt like a wad of

what to say or do

+8 Pearls

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 toe back?”

“Myb 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 myb.”

“Don’t be impulsive. You’ll regret it when it’s toote.”

Scarlett’s voice was calm and steady. “Do you remember why I left, Professor Miller?”

She left because of the istion. 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 thatb?

To suffer more?

Calvin froze. His gaze trembled violently.

Most of what had happened back then came from Reba’s one–sided ims. 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 exin. “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 rtionship, 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 closei. /iBut you have no sense of crisis, no grasp of the risks ahead. When things go wrong down the line, don’te begging me for help.”

He turned and stormed off, not looking back.

Scarlett remained in ce, unmoved.

Back when she left theb, 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 Reba’s work.

as an

-1/2

12:48 Th? 7 Aug 5 6 l

Chapter 104 No Way Back

Unfortunately for him…

But none of that had anything to do with her anymore.

+ Pearls

Before she could catch her breath, more experts swarmed her, all pressing her ito /iname 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’tnd 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, Reba 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 Reba’s tears.

“Don’t cry, Reba. This was all that b*tch Scarlett’s fault. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she pays.”

Reba shook her head. “She was better than me. I lost fair and square.”

“Youi? /iLose to her? Impossible.”

It was Connor who said that.

No one had noticed when he arrived. He stepped forward and handed Reba a few tissues when she looked up.

“Everyone fails at some point. If sess came that easy, the world would be chaos.”

Reba reached out and epted 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 hade 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.”

Reba’s eyes flew open in shock.

12.40

7 bAug /b0

Chapter 104 No Way Back

+8 Pearls:

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 Reba’s overall performance was promising. With a little guidance, she could be a rising star in academia.”

Oliver pped Reba on the shoulder, clearly ted.

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