Chapter 404
Chapter 404:
Secretly, Lynn saw Yelena’s talent as a double-edged sword—both an asset and a threat to her own status. If Yelena’s absences became frequent, Lynn knew she could use them as grounds for dismissal, no matter how much Cayson valued Yelena.
When Yelena arrived at the school, she spotted Erica waving enthusiastically from a distance.
“Yelena!” Erica’s delight was infectious.
Though they were classmates, the pressures of internships and graduate school preparation had kept them apart.
Seeing Yelena felt like reconnecting with family. Unable to contain herself, Erica rushed over and embraced Yelena tightly.
Yelena allowed the hug, her usual composure softening momentarily. But Erica’s enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed as several onlookers glanced their way, murmuring amongst themselves.
Embarrassed, Erica quickly let go, her cheeks tinged pink. “Let’s go,” she said, steering the moment back on track. As they walked, Erica pulled a small bag from her backpack and handed it to Yelena like a prized offering. “I got you your favorite sandwich from the cafeteria,” she said, her voice shy yet proud.
Yelena had already eaten breakfast at home, but seeing Erica’s effort, she smiled warmly and accepted the gift. “Thank you. That’s very thoughtful of you p>
Erica waved off the gratitude with a laugh. “Oh, don’t be so formal with me p>
Unbeknownst to them, someone nearby snapped a photo of them. Within moments, the picture was sent to Bella. Staring at the image of Yelena and Erica together, Bella’s lips curled into a sly smile. Her eyes sparkled with foxlike satisfaction, the kind that hinted at schemes already taking shape.
“Yelena, I’ve been thinking, and… I’m not sure about joining Professor Hoffman’s research group,” Erica said, her tone hesitant. “I’m worried it might not be worth the time p>
R34d th3 0r1g1n4l 4t g4ln0v3ls.c0m
Her concern ran deeper than she let on. With graduate exams approaching, Erica couldn’t afford to waste precious hours on a group that might not offer any real value.
Yelena remained unfazed. “That’s unlikely,” she replied with calm assurance. “Anyone who’s made it to professor didn’t get there by accident. Why don’t you just go talk to him first? If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always walk away p>
Before Erica could respond, a voice laced with sarcasm interrupted their conversation. “Yelena, let me guess—you picked the wrong group and now want to drag someone else down with you p>
The two turned to see Sonya striding toward them, arms crossed and a smug expression barely concealing her disdain.
Yelena’s lips pressed into a thin line. It seemed fate had conspired to place Sonya in her path today of all days.
Whether Sonya was nursing a personal grudge or simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to stir the pot, Yelena couldn’t be sure. Either way, she wasn’t about to indulge her nonsense.
With an air of practiced calm, Yelena met Sonya’s gaze and said smoothly, “Oh? Did you apply for the program? Did you get selected p>
Sonya’s smug expression faltered, her confidence cracking like fragile glass.
“You!” she sputtered, her cheeks flushing with a mix of anger and embarrassment.
Yelena had clearly anticipated Sonya’s reaction. She was certain Sonya hadn’t been selected, and her remark hit like a well-aimed dart.
Sonya gritted her teeth, inhaling sharply as she tried to maintain her composure. “Yelena, do you really think you’re so great? You weren’t chosen by any of the good professors either, so now you’re settling for some nobody. And you still think you’re something special p>
Yelena met Sonya’s glare with an icy laugh. “Well, at least I’ve made it into the program. Guess I’m indeed better than you,” she said coolly.