When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0790

Theodore mumbled hesitantly, “I didn’t receive anything…”

Joli gritted his teeth. “Stay here in the dorm. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll handle this.”

With that, he turned and left the dorm, heading straight to Sophie’s office. He raised his hand, ready to knock, but paused when he overheard voices from inside.

Sophie’s voice came through, full of satisfaction. “You did well this time. Just a trial run, and you brought back a grand prize.”

Not only had it brought honor to the faculty, but it also gave her, as the mentor, significant recognition. After months of suppressed frustrations, Sophie could finally revel in a moment of triumph. How could she not be pleased?

Yasmine’s voice followed, carrying a faintly jealous undertone. “Honestly, it’s all thanks to Miranda. Aunt Sophie, don’t you think she’s incredible?

“Publishing in ‘Science‘ and ‘Nature‘ like it’s nothing–and even in a student competition, she could think of such an impressive project title…”

Yasmine had indeed stolen Miranda’s work–that much was undeniable. Yet, she couldn’t help but genuinely acknowledge Miranda’s exceptional ability.

Sophie sipped her tea dismissively. “Incredible? Please. Anything she can do, you can do too. She’s just lucky, that’s all. Sooner or later, you’ll surpass her.”

Yasmine agreed half–heartedly, though inwardly, she couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. Her? Surpassing Miranda? The thought was laughable.

Back then, when she was hailed as a prodigy, she truly believed she was extraordinary.

But the experiences of the past few months had shown her the harsh truth. There were always better people, heights one couldn’t reach, and mountains that towered higher than one had ever imagined.

She was just a frog in a well, oblivious to the vast sky above. Her former arrogance and self- importance? Everything was pure delusion.

Miranda was the truly exceptional one. And Yasmine? She was painfully mediocre.

Still, they had managed to secure the grand prize this time. No matter the methods, they had achieved their goal.

Sophie blew gently on her tea and smiled. “Good thing I switched out their report in advance. With nothing to submit, Miranda’s team couldn’t possibly place.

“And with the results out, their report won’t even be returned to them. This way, we’ve covered our tracks completely. As for them… Well, they won’t even know what hit them.”

1/2

Chapter 0790

Yasmine stepped forward with a grin, massaging Sophie’s shoulders. “You’re truly brilliant, Aunt Sophie.”

+25 BONUS

This wasn’t their first time pulling something like this. They had long since perfected their strategy, planning every detail meticulously.

Miranda’s team, Sophie mused, would likely blame their failure on their own shortcomings or bad luck, never suspecting foul play with their report.

“They worked so hard for so long, only for us to reap the benefits. It’s almost funny!” Yasmine chuckled.

Sophie basked in her smug satisfaction for a moment before addressing a concern. “No one on our end suspects anything, right?”

Yasmine waved dismissively. “Are you kidding? They’re all just thrilled to ride on the coattails of success. No one would dare question it. Who in their right mind would throw away an honor already in their grasp?”

Even if someone noticed something was off, what could they do?

Yasmine hesitated briefly, then added, “Oh, there’s one thing I forgot to mention, but it’s not a big deal…”

Sophie arched an eyebrow. “Go on.”

“Well, I removed Theodore’s name from the team list, so he’s the only one who didn’t get an award this time.”

Sophie’s expression darkened instantly. “Does he know?”

“…No.”

“Did you make him do any work beforehand?”

Yasmine nodded.

Sophie’s face twisted in anger. “Are you an idiot!”