Chapter 458
Chapter 458:
Erica knew Yelena well enough to understand that no amount of persuasion would convince her to stay. Sighing, she reluctantly walked Yelena out.
Just as she saw Yelena off, a familiar figure appeared—a highly respected professor whose presence immediately commanded attention.
Erica straightened instinctively. “Hello, sir,” she greeted with polite formality.
Enoch responded with a warm nod. His expression was kind, almost fatherly. “You must be Erica, right p>
Erica blinked, puzzled but still courteous. “Yes, professor. That’s right p>
Enoch smiled. “You’re about to graduate soon, aren’t you? What are your plans after graduation? Are you thinking about applying to grad school or heading straight into work p>
Erica froze, taken aback. Of all people, she hadn’t expected him to approach her, much less inquire about her future.
Flattered and slightly overwhelmed, she replied, “Well, actually, I’d like to go to grad school. If I could stay here, that would be ideal p>
Enoch’s eyes lit up with approval. “Wonderful. If that’s the case, why not consider me as your mentor p>
Erica’s jaw nearly dropped. She rubbed her eyes, half-wondering if she’d fallen into some bizarre dream.
“Me?” she stammered, certain she’d misheard. “Are you… sure p>
Enoch chuckled softly. “Of course. I’m talking to you now, aren’t I p>
Erica chuckled nervously, her cheeks burning with a mix of confusion and disbelief.
Wasn’t he supposed to be chasing after Yelena? Surely, Yelena’s brilliance outshone hers by miles.
Erica’s mind flashed back to today’s seminar, where Yelena’s genius had been on full display. She felt a pang of guilt, certain Enoch must have mistaken her for someone far more deserving. Taking a steadying breath, Erica explained, “The presentation today wasn’t just my work. Yelena and Corbett helped me a lot. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without them p>
Nore chatpers 𝖌Ɐ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.c0n
Enoch chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with knowing amusement. “Oh, I’m well aware,” he said with an air of certainty. “But I’m still choosing you p>
Before Erica could respond, he gently patted her shoulder, his tone kind but firm. “You’ve got potential, Miss Dury. The kind of potential that can take you far. Don’t doubt yourself. Keep at it.” And with that, he turned and strolled away, leaving Erica frozen in place, as though she had wandered into a dream that didn’t quite belong to her.
As Erica stood there, caught in her own whirlwind of disbelief, Madonna emerged from the dorm. Her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Erica’s dazed expression, and her lips curled into a bitter smirk.
“What’s so special about you p>
But Erica didn’t hear her. She was far too wrapped up in replaying Enoch’s words.
The moment Erica returned to the dorm, she burst through the door like a gust of wind. Erica didn’t hold back, calling Yelena and spilling the story in one breathless rush.
Yelena listened, her expression unreadable. But inside, her mind was already piecing together the puzzle.
Hugh. That crafty old schemer. Of course, this was his doing. He knew Yelena would never agree to stay if he approached her directly. Instead, he’d cleverly set the other professors in motion, using Erica as an indirect approach.
The plan was obvious. If Erica stayed, she might persuade Yelena to stay, too.
But this time, Hugh had miscalculated. Yelena had already decided—graduate school was not in her future, no matter how elaborate his schemes became.
“You should probably switch off your phone for a few days,” Yelena said, her voice measured. “And maybe move out of your dorm.” She added, “Unless you enjoy being hounded by those professors who suddenly think you’re their ticket to fame, you might want to lay low. Either hide out in the lab or find somewhere quieter p>