Chapter 19
Jasper quickly turned his attention to Stellar, bowing his head in apology. “I’m sorry, Stellar. This was my mistake.”
Stellar shook her head, offering no further comment, and quietly left the office with Victor and Claude.
Once outside, Stellar’s vision blurred momentarily, and she turned toward Victor with a deep bow. “Professor, thank you so much for standing up for me today.”
Other than her family, no one had ever defended her so fiercely before.
Victor snorted, crossing his arms. “Always causing me trouble.”
Though his words were gruff, the faint warmth in his tone betrayed his true feelings. Stellar recognized his sharp tongue but soft heart, and a comforting warmth spread through her chest.
As for Claude, a glance between them was enough to communicate volumes.
“Uncle Claude, I promise your investment will pay off.”
The ordeal had stretched the afternoon far into the day.
After Victor left, Claude offered to drive Stellar back.
However, as they stepped out of the building, they came face–to–face with a familiar, humiliating scene.
There they were–Yvonne and Jonathan–being escorted out by several security guards in uniform.
“Please leave immediately and stop disturbing the school administration,” one guard instructed firmly.
It was clear they’d tried pleading with someone for help and was unceremoniously rejected.
“You blind fools! Do you even know who I am? How dare you treat me like this?” Yvonne raged, her face red with fury.
As she turned in her anger, her gaze locked onto Stellar’s.
Stellar stood silently, her expression cold and distant, an air of calmvdetachment surrounding her. Her composed and regal demeanor was a stark contrast to Yvonne’s disheveled, humiliated state.
Yvonne felt as though she got slapped across the face. Her anger boiled over, and she snapped, “Stellar Rivers, don’t you dare get cocky! So, what if you’re allowed back into school? After two wasted years, do you really think. you have what it takes to pass the entrance exams?”
Stellar’s tone remained calm, her words sharp as a blade. “As long as I’m better than you, that’s enough.”
The simple reply was a perfect retort, cutting deep.
Yvonne clenched her teeth so hard it felt as though they might crack.
Jonathan’s expression darkened as he looked at Stellar with apparent disappointment. “Stellar, how did you become this kind of person? Using a powerful backer to get your way–do you really think that will last? Do you think Professor Stone will still support you once he sees what you’re capable of?”
He didn’t believe for a second that Stellar had the ability to contribute to any significant research project. For him, ensuring she stayed out of the school was a way to avoid public embarrassment, not just for her, but for himself. And yet, she chose to oppose him alongside outsiders. It only cemented his view that she was irredeemable. However, Stellar felt no sting from his reproach. She had long grown numb to his accusations and disdain.
1/21
+35 BONUS
Chapter 19
“When it comes to throwing your weight around, I could never compete with you two.”
Not wanting to waste another montent, Stellar turned and left with Claude.
The encounter only solidified her determination to prove herself. She was going to excel, no matter what, and show the world, including her detractors, that both she and her mentor were to be taken seriously.
As they walked away, Stellar didn’t notice the glimmer of amusement on Claude’s face as he glanced back at the duo.
If they thought this was the end, they were mistaken. The plans he had set in motion were just beginning to unfold.
Sure enough, it didn’t take long before Yvonne received a call from her father just as she was being escorted out of the school gates.
Seeing his name flash on the screen, Yvonne clung to a shred of hope, answering quickly and putting on her most pitiful tone. “Dad…”
But instead of comfort, her father’s furious voice roared through the receiver. “You stupid girl! The major investor we were negotiating with just pulled out of the deal and they said it’s because of you! What the hell did you do? Get back here right now and explain yourself!”
A major investor pulling out?
Her mind reeled in panic. How could this be happening?
Her first thought was of the man she had just encountered, and yesterday’s cryptic message he had sent.
But wasn’t the investor supposed to be from out of town? She’d never even met them. How could this possibly be connected to her?
