Chapter 88
88 More Than Just a Backup Plan
Back at Darian Hall, Rebecca had already won the favor of a few professore. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Professor Gogh had even made it clear he was willing to take her on early as a doctoral student.
But she knew briter.
Professor Gogh didn’t have enough influence in the academic world.
He could only serve as a stepping stone.
Fished
That’s why the upcoming medical exchange conference was her real opportunity to choose the ideal
mentor.
And with a Lane Group representative backing her, things would be twice as easy.
“I have an extra invitation,” she said, handing her phone to Connor. “Give it to the Lane Group rep. No reason for him to just sit around–he can at least walk around the venue.”
In truth-
Her plan was to use the Lane Group representative to raise her visibility, then capture the professors‘ attention with her cancer research paper.
That way, she’d become a rising star in one stroke.
Her parents would funnel every resource they had into supporting her.
Once she had real power, Scarlett would be nothing.
Connor glanced at his phone and saw that two electronic invitations had come through.
It was just a medical conference, sure, but plenty of nationally renowned professors would be attending.
People fought tooth and nail for even a chance to be in the room.
With a bit of luck, he might be able to connect with someone and catapult his company forward.
His company had nothing to do with medicine, so he hadn’t qualified for an invitation.
Which meant Rebecca’s gesture was a godsend.
“You really are my lucky star, Rebecca.”
He laughed, genuinely pleased.
Then, as he looked up, he noticed a/strand of hair had fallen loose near Rebecca’s temple.
Almost instinctively, he reached out to tuck it behind her ear.
And just then, Rebecca looked up.
His fingertips brushed against her cheek.
Soft. Warm.
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88 More Than Just a Backup Plan
Like an electric current ran straight through his skin, Connor jerked his hand back.
Rebecca’s cheeks turned pink in an instant.
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She lowered her head shyly, lips pressed together.
Connor stuffed his hand behind his back, fingers still trembling.
His heart pounded so loudly it felt like it might leap out of his chest.
He gave an awkward chuckle.
“Uh, that just now… I was-”
“I know. ”
Rebecca’s face was still flushed, though she tried to act like it didn’t bother her.
“You probably meant to pat my shoulder. It’s fine, Connor. I know you’ve always liked Scarlett.”
As she said it, her eyes started to shimmer, and her voice tightened.
“I need to head to the library. I’ll see you later.”
She seemed both flustered and upset, not even giving Connor a chance to respond before hurrying away.
It wasn’t until she rounded the corner, out of Connor’s sight, that she finally let out a quiet breath of relief.
If this had happened before–Connor acting all nervous and possibly about to confess–she would’ve been thrilled.
After all, the Jude family had a better reputation than the Joyner family. In Trenwyn, they were practically top–tier. Marrying into that would’ve been quite a win.
But things were different now.
She had the Lane Group’s attention.
If she scored at the medical conference, there would be plenty of promising bachelors for her to choose. from.
James came to mind. Then that icy Mr. Fletcher. Either of them had more potential than Connor.
More importantly-
Connor was already falling for her.
If everything fell through and she didn’t make it into high society, marrying into the Jude family would still be a respectable backup plan.
Either way, she couldn’t lose.
Smiling faintly, she took out her phone and sent Connor a message.
“Scarlett’s been having a rough time with her family lately. Connor, she listens to you more than anyone. Maybe you could talk to her?”
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Connor was still standing where she’d left him.
He lifted his hand slightly.
His heart hadn’t settled down at all.
Rebecca’s shy expression kept playing on a loop in his mind.
It completely threw off his ability to think.
Then his phone buzzed with a text.
It was from Rebecca.
He felt a wave of joy rush through him.
But as he read the message, his smile slowly faded.
Even though Scarlett had publicly called off their engagement–humiliating both the Jude and Joyner families–everyone still assumed they were connected.
Anyone could see she was just being dramatic.
The real reason? Easy.
They’d been dating for years, and she’d asked about marriage more than once, but he always dodged the topic.
His mom didn’t like her either.
So the conversation kept getting put off.
Calling off the engagement had just been a different way to push for marriage.
He knew it. Everyone else knew it too.
If he went back to her now, they’d be married in no time.
Sure, he wasn’t used to life without her constant attention–but he hadn’t caved yet.
And now, Rebecca’s message stirred up a different emotion.
Frustration.
They weren’t engaged anymore!
So why did everyone still treat them like they were tied together?
It was like Scarlett had branded him.
He’d had enough.
Back then, he’d only pitied her.
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She’d grown up in the countryside–poor, helpless. He’d taken her in after she was brought back to the Joyner family, meek and timid.
And he just… couldn’t help himself.
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