Chapter 194
194 Brewing Storms
48 Pearls
“Don’t make things harder for me,” Aurora whispered, wiping away nonexistent tears, her eyes brimming with sorrow,
“If she made it through both the written test and the interview, she must really be capable.”
“We should just focus on training better from now on.”
Every word sounded like she was defending Scarlett.
But in reality, she was fanning the flames. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Findηovel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access s of novels early and in the highest quality.
Dreame slammed the table in frustration.
“If she was so amazing, why didn’t Professor Hamilton mention her years ago when those so–called groundbreaking papers came out?”
“I think he was forced by power and influence–he had no choice but to slap her name on them.”
“She used to be the Joyner family’s heiress, didn’t she?”
“Even if not by blood, she didn’t live poorly. There’s no way she was going around rural hospitals collecting data.”
Her argument was compelling.
Several people nodded along.
Jose let out a cold chuckle.
“If Scarlett’s that impressive, I’d like to meet her.”
“I’ll invite her to dinner. Anyone else in?”
Dreame, having partnered with Jose before, immediately understood what he was after.
“Sure. We celebrate the champion every year. This year shouldn’t be any different.”
She looked around. “What about the rest of you? Coming?”
Christian had already left for other matters.
Aurora hesitated, then sent him a message.
Since this was tradition, Christian promised to attend.
Aurora finally spoke.
“Yeah, it’s the usual thing. I’ll go.”
Faye, who had been silent in the corner, suddenly became the center of attention.
He had no choice but to nod.
“I’m in.”
14:30 Wed , 13 Aug
194 Brewing Storms
But in his heart, he couldn’t have been more unwilling.
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Coming from a modest background, he always had to spend more than he could afford at these dinners.
Still, if he didn’t attend, he’d miss out on valuable internal intel–especially with doctoral program quotas coming up.
He needed to stay in the loop.
Jose glanced at his phone, his smile growing broader.
“James is coming too. Then we’ll see whether Professor Hamilton’s speech was a righteous stand–or a bow to pressure.”
Dreame’s eyes lit up at the name.
Her gloom lifted instantly.
She even looked a bit excited.
“James didn’t come last year. I thought he’d skip again. He’s my idol–I’ve got to share a few drinks with him this time.”
Jose frowned at her sparkly–eyed expression.
“Don’t forget why we’re going.”
Dreame pressed her lips together.
“Of course I know.”
Whatever came to mind just then made her sneer.
“Getting info from James is one thing. But we also need to file a formal complaint. Two–pronged approach -only way to get the truth!”
Jose nodded firmly.
“Exactly.”
His tone grew hard.
“I won’t allow privilege to trample on academic fairness . ”
Dreame elbowed Aurora.
“Hey, you’re awfully quiet. You’re not thinking of running off to the Lane family to snitch, are you?”
Aurora immediately shook her head.
“No, I’m just worried about you guys. The Lane family has eyes and ears everywhere. If you go in too loud…”
Jose snapped his fingers with a grin.
“That’s the beauty of it. This is a national competition–the buzz is still trending online.”
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194 Brewing Storms
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“The Lane family’s powerful, sure. But as long as we keep the spotlight on them, they won’t dare make a move . ”
“In fact, the more heat we stir up, the more likely others will join us.”
The Lane family had dominated Jalindale for years, hoarding resources–there was no shortage of
resentment.
This crusade against Scarlett’s alleged cheating?
It was really an excuse to bring down the Lane family’s entire reputation.
If they fell, others could scramble to snatch up the spoils.
The seminar itself was dry and technical, mostly revolving around nuclear fusion debates.
Scarlett was brought along by Jasper, but the discussion was so intense, no one paid her any mind.
And since she wasn’t given a chance to speak, everyone just assumed she was Jasper or Jack’s new assistant.
Still, Scarlett was deeply engaged the whole time: Even when it ended, she was reluctant to leave.
That evening-
Scarlett brought her teammates to Jingwei Zhai for dinner.
Jack had reserved the largest private room and made sure everyone ate and drank well.
Sharon hugged her arm tightly. “Don’t you dare forget me when you’re rich and famous!”
Scarlett laughed. “Right back at you.”
Sharon burst out laughing, and the mood lifted even more.
Jasper and Jack arrived late. Most people didn’t know who they were–just assumed they were Scarlett’s close friends.
The party was lively and cheerful.
It didn’t end until very late.
Scarlett hailed a cab to drop Sharon off at her hotel. Before getting in, a very drunk Sharon leaned into Scarlett’s ear.
“Jasper’s a total catch. Way better than Connor. Don’t give up a whole forest for one piece of trash. Go for it ! ”
Then she climbed into the taxi and disappeared into the night.
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From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots
195 Red Flags and Red Cards
Scarlett was left standing alone, toes practically curling into the pavement from secondhand embarrassment.
She glanced up awkwardly. “Mr. Jasper, she’s had a bit too much to drink.”
Jasper’s expression was calm as ever–no reaction at all.
“Mm.”
After a pause, he said, “Come on, I’ll give you a ride.”
Scarlett, still flustered from the scene, didn’t feel right about accepting.
“No need–my brother’s coming to pick me up.”
Taylor had already been blowing up her phone with messages, urging her to head home early.
It was already 10 p.m., and Taylor was probably halfway there by now.
If she didn’t show up soon, she’d be facing one of his full–force sibling lectures.
“Alright,” Jasper said, not pushing the issue. But just then, Jack came sprinting over.
In his hands was a small red box.
“Why are you two in such a rush?”
“Pixel, your gift–you forgot to take it!”
He reached Scarlett and opened the box right in front of her.
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It was palm–sized and had been sitting by Jasper during dinner–she’d assumed it was his, so of course she hadn’t dared touch it.
Now that Jack was personally delivering it, she hesitated for a beat.
Jack, treating her like family, popped it open himself to reveal a sleek black badge.
“Pixel, take it. It’s your lab access pass .”
Scarlett reached out and picked it up.
Inside, she could tell, was a personalized verification chip.
Each one unique.
“Does this mean it’s time to fulfill that old contract?” she asked, rubbing her thumb across the badge as she recalled the “test subject” agreement she’d once signed. She exhaled slowly, then twirled the badge lightly between her fingers .
With a smile, she added, “In that case , contact me anytime.”
Wait , what?
14:30 Wed, 13 Aug