When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0749

In addition, Sophie’s lab had been reported for fire safety violations. They were forced to undergo rectification, which still hadn’t passed the fire safety inspections.

During this period, there was naturally no academic output at all.

Thus, Sophie’s team was quieter than ever before during the monthly meeting. Hank used to be very aggressive back then, baring his teeth like a dog ready to attack. But now, he was as quiet as a mouse.

Tina also looked displeased. Due to the mandatory rectifications, the opportunity for a research project she painstakingly secured from Sophie had gone down the drain.

She had asked Sophie to assign her to a different research project, but her request was met with a harsh scolding.

“Project? Research project? I want projects too! But the lab’s under mandatory rectification and no projects can be done!

“Where am I supposed to find a research project for you? Even if I had one, are you sure you can keep up with the progress and actually contribute anything meaningful?

“Don’t bite off more than you can chew if you can’t handle it..Being human, one should be self–aware! Not every graduate student is cut out for academia, and not everyone doing research will have results. Do you really think you’re some academic prodigy like Miranda?”

As Sophie ranted, her spit almost sprayed on Tina’s face. Luckily, she managed to dodge quickly.

Tina didn’t care to hide her disdain for Sophie and said, “Dr. Xander, that’s not what you said when you asked me to pay for the lab equipment back then! Let’s be clear: I didn’t beg you to let me join a research group, and this ⚫ isn’t a negotiation.

“We agreed upon the terms from the start, and this is a transaction. I will pay the money, and you’ll provide me with a research project. It’s a mutual agreement. I’ve paid the money, yet you’re going back on your word. That’s not how business works.”

Tina’s view of Sophie had soured completely. Sophie was nothing more than a money–grubbing, petty, and narrow -minded fraud in the academic world. She was unworthy of respect.

“One more thing, I suggest that you stop trying to manipulate me because…” Tina emphasized each word, “I don’t fall for that crap!

“I’m giving you two weeks to find me a research group. I don’t care whether it’s your research project or someone else’s. Either way, I need to be in one. Understood?”

Tina needed some research experience to embellish her résumé, and more importantly for extra credit in this semester. She couldn’t end up with nothing after all the benefits Sophie had received from her.

“How dare you threaten me?” Sophie was shocked that a docile lamb like Tina could stand up to her now.

Tina nodded. “You can see it that way.”

Sophie sneered, “What if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll report you to the dean for extorting and accepting bribes from students! You’ve already been penalized once. Another strike against you might just mark the end of your career in Bedford College.”

“You-” Sophie was furious.

Tina gave her a faint smile. “Remember, you only have two weeks.”

1/2

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0749

Despite Sophie’s bravado, she was genuinely afraid. She desperately sought out contacts and racked her brains to get Tina into her friends‘ research groups.

However, news about her and Joseph’s misconduct had spread within the close–knit circles. No one dared to associate with her anymore. Her old friends were now avoiding her like the plague.

Nobody wanted to work with a rabid wolf that would bite anyone that was in its way, not knowing who it might devour next.

As the two–week deadline approached, Sophie was still unable to find a solution. Tina did not make empty threats. She was more than ready to go to the dean’s office and report Sophie…