Chapter 32 The Tides Shift
Eugene smiled faintly, his voice light and pleasant. “Alright, that’s about it. Go on and get to school; be good.”
Then he hung up.
Rebecca took a deep breath, a small, satisfied smile curving her lips.
The truth was, Scarlett had been the one who solved Eugene’s research problem. Rebecca had just happened to see the solution and copied it down in her own handwriting.
But…
As the memory surfaced, a flicker of panic passed through her eyes.
She’d been in such a rush that day–she might’ve missed a few chemical formulas in the last equation.
Whatever. It probably wasn’t that important anyway. If it were, Eugene would’ve noticed by now. It’s been
a year.
She quickly brushed the thought aside and called for the driver to take her to school.
Scarlett finished feeding the lab mice and logged the activity on video.
That morning’s task included running blood tests on the mice, and by the time she looked up, it was already after ten.
The lab’s robotic cat had hijacked Jack’s box of donuts and was now happily darting around the lab like it owned the place.
He’d spent the whole morning trying to outwit that damn robot, losing his only chance to nap in the
process.
After a long and painful chase, he finally caught the mischievous little thing–only to see it casually dropping the donuts off at Scarlett’s workstation.
The rest were scattered across Jasper’s bench.
Jack was stunned.
Heartless didn’t even cover it–this was next–level savage.
Scarlett bit into a donut and gave him an innocent look. “You didn’t eat breakfast either?”
Jack stood there, speechless. “…I’m full.”
Full of rage.
Scarlett nodded and took another big bite.
Jack had no words.
Just as Scarlett finished eating, her phone buzzed with a notification. She was being asked to check out a new lab space.
She frowned.
She’d never requested one from Mr. Wayne.
A second message came through.
Wayne said it was a small gesture of recognition for her outstanding work.
She didn’t want to accept it.
In just twelve days, she’d be done with her research and leaving for Jandale to meet her birth family.
But Wayne must’ve guessed what she was thinking, because another message followed.
“A few oncology experts are visiting. They might be able to help you.”
Scarlett was cornered.
There really were a few things she wanted to ask.
She replied with a simple “Got it,” then tidied up her workspace and left.
“Professor Miller, it’s already ten. The school hasn’t made any announcement–does that mean Scarlett’s in the clear?” Rebecca checked her watch. It was already 10:30 a.m.
If what Calvin had said was true–about the dismissal notice going out first thing this morning–it would’ve been posted on the school website by now.
So why was there still no sign of it?
“Hmph. Mr. Wayne has already agreed to handle it. There’s no way she’s getting out of this.”
“Professor Miller, could you maybe talk to Mr. Wayne again? Scarlett-”
“There’s no need to plead for her. She’s lucky she’s only getting expelled after what she pulled,” Calvin snapped, his face dark with anger.
Rebecca lowered her head. “I just think… When Scarlett went against you back then, maybe she just wante to prove herself. I don’t think she meant to offend you.”
The moment she said it, Calvin got even angrier. His shoulders tensed with fury. “Go clean up whatever junk she left behind. Once the notice comes down, I want her gone. No delays. No excuses.”
Just then, a few other students arrived. When they saw Calvin, they rushed over.
“Professor Miller, the Skycrest Labs team is here. Mr. Wayne asked for you to join them.”
Calvin snapped out of his anger, suddenly remembering the academic exchange scheduled for today. “Alright, since you’re all just standing around, come with me. It’ll be a good learning experience.”
Rebecca lit up. “Professor Miller, being one of your students is such a privilege.”
Calvin’s mood improved noticeably.
Then someone said, “I think I saw Scarlett heading over there just now.”
Rebecca froze for a second, then quickly recovered. “She’s probably just trying her luck.”
Calvin immediately understood. “Trying to find herself a new mentor? Too bad. Her dismissal notice will be out by this afternoon. At this point, she just looks pathetic.”
That’s what he said–but Rebecca knew exactly what Scarlett was capable of.
If she actually manages to find someone willing to give her a shot, everything we worked for could go to
waste.
“Professor Miller, please… can we go see what Scarlett’s doing?” she begged, eyes filling with tears. “I know it’s too late to take her back, but she’s been in your lab for years. Even if she didn’t achieve much, she still worked hard. Can’t we at least let her graduate?”
Micah, who had been listening nearby, immediately picked up on what was happening. “Rebecca, you’re way too softhearted. Professor Miller, I think we should all go. If Scarlett’s trying to sweet–talk one of the other professors, we need to shut it down before she pulls something.”
Calvin frowned.
Calvin frowned, clearly not eager to cross paths with the student who’d embarrassed him.
But Micah pressed on. “Professor, I’m sure you know most of the professors from Skycrest personally. If they think you’re the one who sent her, it’s going to make you look bad. Do you really want that kind of misunderstanding hanging over your head?”
