Chapter 38
The day of the exam arrived quickly.
Stellar woke up early, dressed in a crisp white button–up and jeans, and tied her hair into a sleek ponytail with a headband.
She looked every bit the perfect, diligent student.
After twirling in front of the mirror with satisfaction, she lieaded downstairs.
At the dining table, Mary had prepared a special breakfast a double–yolk egg with ham–her face full of warmth.
“Miss, good luck! You’re going to ace this exam.”
The familiar gesture, a tradition she had seen countless times, stirred an unexpected wave of emotion in Stellar.
It reminded her of the days when she was still in the Harlow family.
Back
then, before they knew her true identity, her adoptive mother had cared for her just as sincerely.
She had also prepared eggs and ham before important exams, wishing her success.
But those days were long gone.
Pushing aside the memories, Stellar wrapped Mary in a tight hug
“Thank you, Mary. I’ll take all the luck I can get.”
This feeling–being cared for by someone like family–was warm and comforting
The things she had once been deprived of were now gradually finding their way back to her, piece by piece.
The exam hall was packed with students.
Many had shown up simply to take a chance, hoping to secure a spot in Victor’s latest research project, enticed by its promising future.
But among them, there were also truly capable candidates
Stellar remained grounded, never letting her past achievements make her complacent.
The moment she entered the exam room, she focused entirely on the test.
By noon, the exam was over, and the completed answer sheets were submitted.
Stellar headed to the cafeteria for lunch.
Meanwhile, in the administrative office-
Victor leaned back in his chair, skimming through a few of the test papers with evident satisfaction.
“As expected from my student,” he remarked, setting down one of the answer sheets. “Every single one of these is a top score.”
He turned to Stephen, who sat composedly across from him and narrowed his eyes smugly.
“See? That’s talent. Looks like you’re about to lose our bet, kid.”
Stephen had always been an infuriatingly proud and dominant force, someone who never lost at anything.
13
Chapter 38
But today, because of Stellar, he was finally on the losing cad.
And Victor? He was thoroughly enjoying it.
Stephen remained impassive, his long fingers tapping lightly against the desk.
“It’s not over yet.“‘
He still wasn’t convinced.
After two years out of the academic world, could she really keep up?
The real challenge was just beginning.
The next test, the one he had personally designed, was yet to come.
+25 BONUS
The afternoon exam was different.
Due to the specialized nature of Victor’s research project, students weren’t just tested on knowledge, they also had to prove their ability to think fast.
The test was conducted in a rapid–response format, where students had to compete in a live buzzer round.
As soon as Stellar stepped into the exam hall, she heard a disdainful scoff from nearby.
“Did you really think sneaking into the exam would be enough to pass? Do you actually believe you’re some kind of prodigy?”
She turned her head and, unsurprisingly, saw the familiar face with curled hair–Camille.
She clearly still wasn’t over whatever grudge she had against her.
Stellar wasn’t planning to engage, but Camille stepped right into her path, refusing to back down.
“Stellar, do you seriously think you’re going to pass this test? How about we make a bet? If you lose to me, you get on your knees and apologize.”
Stellar raised an amused eyebrow, letting out a light chuckle. “And if you lose?”
Camille lifted her chin arrogantly, full of confidence..
“Then I’ll kneel and apologize to you in front of everyone for what happened yesterday. Sound fair?”
“Sure. Let’s see how it plays out,” Stellar replied, her gaze holding a deeper meaning.
The exam officially began.
Students took their seats, each with a buzzer in front of them, ready to compete.
A group of professors entered the hall, each carrying stacks of question sheets.
“First question, listen carefully.”
The instructor barely finished reading the full question before Stellar pressed the buzzer.
The speed was almost instant like she didn’t even need to think.
Camille’s expression flickered with surprise before quickly twisting into disdain.
Stellar must be just trying to show off.
But in the next second, Stellar delivered a flawless answer.
The room fell into stunned silence.
