She glared at me, eyes sharp enough to pierce through flesh, as if sheer willpower alone could carve me apart.
“You really think being reborn changes everything? That you can go up against the Scott family and make it out alive?
“One day, you won’t even see it coming–you’ll be dead before you know what hit you.”
I let out a soft laugh, the curve of my lips light, but there was no warmth in my eyes.
1/2
Chapter 11
“That’s not your concern.
“Or better yet, why don’t you be the first to try? See for yourself what it really costs to kill me.”
In September, I entered Camden Institute of Photonics and Optical Engineering,
Because of the lingering buzz from the previous scandal, every move I made was under public scrutiny,
This attention didn’t just keep me temporarily safe from the Scott family’s influence, it also allowed me to reconnect with my former mentor as quickly as possible.
“Professor Tanner, I’d like you to be my advisor for this year’s International University Hardware Programming Competition.”
She studied me for a long moment, her gaze sharp behind her glasses.
Then, slowly, her expression softened.
“I know who you are. You’re the student who dared to challenge the Scott family.”
When I took home the gold medal in the competition–an undisputed victory–I made sure to seize the right
moment.
Alone in her office, with no one else around, I handed over a research proposal–one that, in my past life, wouldn’t have been developed for several more years.
Velma Tanner flipped through the documents, her brows furrowing.
“This project is currently under strict confidentiality measures.”
Her eyes locked onto me with scrutiny. “And you are just a freshman. Lucy, I need an explanation.”
“You can chalk it up to me being exceptionally gifted. Or… maybe I just skipped the part where I was supposed to forget my past life.”
I knew the doubts swirling in her mind.
“I understand your concerns. You’re free to verify every piece of experimental data and research I’ve submitted. Investigate my background however you like.”
“I’m only doing what I can.
“Because in a world where technology is advancing at breakneck speed, shaving even a few years off development could mean the difference between leading the field or falling behind.
“And I think you understand that better than anyone.”
My advisor had always been a meticulous and cautious person.
I knew she would investigate.
So, I waited patiently.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 12