Chapter 35 Changing the Game
The room finally quieted down.
Wayne cleared his throat, smiling as he stepped forward.
“Everyone, today’s a meaningful occasion. We’ve gathered here to share ideas and make progress in cancer research. And with that, I’d like to highlight one of our school’s rising stars in the field.”
Micah blinked, confused. “Wait–what’s going on? Is Mr. Wayne about to announce Rebecca’s research?”
Calvin wasn’t the least bit surprised. “It’s only natural. They kicked out one of my students–offering our lab a little compensation is the least they could do.”
Rebecca’s heart raced with excitement. “But… am I really ready? I only just started my project.”
Calvin nodded, full of confidence. “Your paper’s excellent. Don’t worry–I believe in you.”
Soon enough, John would see what real talent looked like. He couldn’t wait for John to realize the mistake. he’d made.
Let’s see how he reacts when he finds out he tossed away the real deal for nothing. And with that high blood pressure of his, maybe he’ll even pass out. Now that’d be the highlight of the year.
Rebecca clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and tried to steady herself. “I’ll do my best, Professor Miller.”
She was ready. The moment Mr. Wayne called her up, she’d show everyone just how exceptional she was- and by comparison, how low Scarlett had fallen.
Wayne’s voice cut through the silence again.
“Scarlett is currently wrapping up her research. Her paper will be ready in about ten days. Even after cutting ties with Professor Miller’s lab, she’s managed to stay focused and push her project forward without support. That speaks volumes about her talent and dedication. She’s truly outstanding, and I hope all of you will support her in the future.”
He smiled warmly, with a tone that was steady, sincere, and easy to believe.
Of course, it was also pretty obvious what was really going on-
Wayne was clearly pulling strings to help Scarlett out.
Calvin and the others were frozen.
For a moment, they all thought they’d misheard.
“Wayne?” Calvin frowned deeply, as if wondering if the man had lost his mind.
John looked stunned. “This girl’s that good? I’ll admit it–I thought she’d only achieved a little. Looks like I underestimated her.”
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Calvin’s jaw clenched. “Would you shut up already?”
John gave him a look of total disdain. “You pushed out good doctors when you were younger, and now you’re turning on your own students. You tell me–who should really be quiet?”
Calvin was ready to throw hands.
Micah had to step in fast to stop him from lunging.
Wayne, already used to their rivalry, ignored the tension and kept going.
“Here are some of Scarlett’s achievements,” he said as a screen lit up behind him.
The screen lit up with a long list of achievements–academic honors, major grants, prestigious competitions–all earned after she entered university.
It was a packed timeline of accomplishments–enough to make anyone’s head spin.
“And every one of those is a big deal,” John muttered, his voice low with admiration. “To pull that off under Calvin’s kind of pressure? She must’ve worked her ass off.”
Wayne continued, “Also, as many of you heard, Scarlett is currently without a formal advisor. I’d like to extend a personal invitation for her to attend seminars and participate in research in my lab. She has full freedom to choose her next mentor, but even if she doesn’t, I’ll personally supervise her thesis.”
“What?” Calvin nearly choked on the words.
Just yesterday, Scarlett had been painted as dishonest and incompetent.
And now Wayne was praising her as smart, dedicated, and full of potential?
It landed harder than he expected.
John burst out laughing. “Looks like someone’s having second thoughts. Regretting your choice, old man?”
Calvin looked like he could explode. “Shut your damn mouth!” Then he turned to Wayne, furious. “What about everything I told you yesterday-?”
Wayne calmly raised his hand, signaling for silence. “Actually, I’d like to clarify a few things. There were rumors going around accusing Scarlett of bad behavior toward her peers, but none of those claims had any solid evidence. After a formal investigation, the school concluded that Scarlett is an excellent student -both in academics and character. We’ll be awarding her a certificate for academic excellence. Professor Miller, I understand you feel this is unfair–but the facts speak for themselves.”
John suddenly put the pieces together and said, “Oh, I see what this is–you can’t stand watching your own student succeed. Must sting, huh? Some people never got this kind of recognition when they were in school. Jealous of your own student? Man, that’s just pathetic.”
Calvin’s face turned red with rage. He yanked up his sleeves. “You’re asking for it!”
Rebecca jumped in, grabbing his arm. “Professor Miller, please–everyone’s watching. Don’t lose your temper.”
Her voice trembled, almost in tears.
Calvin froze in place, barely holding himself back.
John, meanwhile, didn’t bother with him. He was already walking straight toward Scarlett.
