When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0789

+25 BONUS

Theodore sobbed like a child. He had always known he didn’t belong in Yasmine’s little clique. Their exclusion of him wasn’t subtle–it was blatant and deliberate.

At one point, Theodore had clumsily tried to fit in. After all, humans were social creatures. In such an environment, anyone who could join a group would avoid standing alone. Seeking safety and avoiding harm was human nature, and Theodore was no exception.

But soon, he realized that no matter how hard he tried, Yasmine and her group remained aloof, never reciprocating even a shred of kindness.

That’s when he finally understood–some people could never be won over, and some circles were impenetrable no matter what one did. So, he stopped trying and let things take their course.

When he learned about the upcoming competition, his first thought wasn’t to join

anyone’s group. Instead, he thought about what kind of project he wanted to do and who he could recruit to collaborate with him.

Deep down, he had already assumed Yasmine wouldn’t invite him. When one had no expectations, they could truly face rejection and isolation with a sense of calm.

Unexpectedly, Yasmine approached him herself, extending an olive branch. Theodore was stunned and didn’t immediately agree.

Yasmine merely thought he was too happy to respond, so she gave a smug laugh before walking away. After two days of internal struggle, Theodore finally mustered the courage to refuse.

But when he sought out Yasmine to reject her offer, she had already included his name on the team list and submitted it.

“What’s with that look? Joining us is a privilege. Don’t you dare take it for granted!

Hank chimed in, “Exactly! We didn’t even want you at first, but we added your name out of consideration for our shared years as classmates. You should be grateful!”

Theodore didn’t even have the right to decline–he was now part of Yasmine’s team. Determined to maintain a professional attitude, he quickly adjusted his mindset and committed himself to doing his best.

Whenever Yasmine assigned tasks, he complied without complaint. She asked him to gather academic papers, and he worked tirelessly for three days and nights to collect them all. Before he could rest for half a day, another task was thrown at him.

It’s no exaggeration to say Theodore worked harder during this time than Joli did. At least Joli’s overtime came with a paycheck, and he could still manage to get some sleep at night.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0789

But Theodore? He was at Yasmine’s beck and call, practically on duty 24/7.

Seeing Theodore hunched over, his broad frame crumpled on the floor, and looking utterly lost and wronged, Joli frowned. “Don’t panic yet. Let me see the project report.”

Theodore froze. “What project report?”

“The final report you submitted for the competition,” Joli replied.

“I… I don’t have it,” Theodore stammered.

“What?” Joli was stunned. “How could you not have it? By competition rules, each team member is supposed to submit their own copy of the report.

“Even if they’re identical, each is individually credited to reflect everyone’s contributions. Since Yasmine included your name on the team, there should be a copy with your name on

it.”

Theodore looked equally baffled. “But I really don’t have one. Yasmine only told me to collect data, compile it, and send it to her. She said she would handle the final submission.”

“She didn’t give you a printed copy?”

“No.”

“And no one else mentioned it to you either?”

Theodore shook his head again.

“Damn it!” Joli clenched his jaw. He could feel his veins bulging. “According to protocol, once the results are announced, the reports are returned to each team member. By now, you should’ve received it! Even if you didn’t get the original, you should at least have a photocopy.”