Chapter 25
“Shh.” Rachel whispered, looking embarrassed. “I got married right after college and completely dropped the ball on my research.”
“Oh, that’s such a pity. Back then, Mrs, Anderson always talked about you as a role model for every class. I never thought someone as brilliant as you would get sidetracked by personal drama,” Sharon said.
Rachel forced a smile that looked worse than crying, “So now I’ve finally come to my senses and decided to focus on my career.
Sharon eyed the temporary staff badge hanging around Rachel’s neck, offering a sympathetic smile. Still, her mind was already sizing up Rachel’s capabilities.
excelling in
She remembered hearing about Rachel during college–someone known for excelli after graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart.
both academics and character. It was said that
Why would she trade a cushy life for this? Can she really handle the brutal physical work out in the middle of nowhere? Sharon wondered.
The very next day, Rachel’s performance left Sharon genuinely impressed.
Despite her slim and fragile appearance, Rachel worked as hard as any of the guys. She quietly tackled labor–intensive tasks without complaining or avoiding them. After finishing her own work, she even lent a hand to her colleagues
This excavation site was the tomb of a medieval noblewoman. She had died tragically young, and her burial artifacts were incredibly rich and valuable. Both in her time and now, these artifacts held immense historical and monetary significance..
Jeffrey, an expert in the field, handled these matters with ease. But at over sixty years old, the long hours were starting to take a toll on his health. His blood pressure was visibly rising, and he began to feel dizzy.
Rachel quickly supported him as they made their way to a temporary shelter, helping him sit down.
Jeffrey sipped his coffee, watching Rachel hustling around nearby. He pulled out his phone and texted Chloe: [What a waste of potential with this student)
Moments later, a voice message from Chloe popped up. “Come on! Has anyone I’ve picked ever been just ordinary?”
Jeffrey sent back a dismissive emoji, then tucked his phone away with a sly grin.
By afternoon, the sky was turning dark and threatening. While the team worked frantically to move items out of the tomb, Rachel was nowhere to be seen.
Even Jeffrey, who wasn’t feeling well, ignored everyone’s attempts to stop him and went into the tomb to assist.
Suddenly, thunder roared, splitting the sky apart.
The leader, Henry Lewis, barked into the phone, “What the hell is going on? It’s about to pour, and where’s the tarp?”
“The roads are a mess, the voice on the other end replied. “Our truck broke down. We’re working on a solution.”
Henry glanced up at the heavy clouds overhead, his anxiety rising. The truck broke down? Can’t you just carry it up manually?”
Someone ran over and said. “Henry, it’s about to rain. We’ve uncovered a large number of artifacts in there. The coffin can’t be moved just yet. Please get the tarps quickly. If it starts pouring we’ll face huge losses.”
“You think I’m not worried? The truck’s broken down, and the trail’s rough–I’m even more anxious than you!” Henry shot back.
“Sharon, find a few of the guys to head down the mountain and help By the way. Jeffrey looked around but didn’t see Rachel “Where’s Rachel
“Who knows? She disappeared ages ago, Sharon replied.
Jeffrey felt uneasy. “Sharon, get some of the guys to head down the mountain and bring back the tarp.”
9:54 AM c
Chapter 25
Sharon quickly called over a few strong guys to b
bring up the
rain tarp.
Just then, the rumbling noise of a tractor echoed in the distance. This area was w
was wilderness–how could there be a tractor here?
Under everyone’s bewildered stares, Rachel rolled up in an old, beat–up tractor.
Sharon spoke up. “Where have you been, Rachel? Don’t you know it’s about to rain? Everyone’s busy moving the artifacts, and you’re-
Before Sharon could finish her sentence, Rachel jumped off the tractor and urgently called to the boys behind her, “What are you standing there for? Hurry and help out
With that, Rachel climbed back onto the tractor. Only then did Sharon notice the tarp in the tractor.
Several young men rushed to help carry the heavy tarp, and together, they unfolded it to cover the tomb opening.
Before anyone could catch their breath, heavy rain started pouring down. The team breathed a collective sigh of relief.
One of them exclaimed, “Thank goodness for Rachell She’s so smart”
“Yeah, totally. She might look quiet and frail, but she’s really sharp as a tack,” another one remarked.
Even Jeffrey nodded in quiet approval of Rachel’s quick thinking.
Suddenly, Sharon asked, “Huh? Where’s Rachel?”
Everyone looked around and spotted Rachel, busy working in the pouring rain not far away
Confused, Sharon turned to Jeffrey. “Mr. Parker, what is she doing over there?”
Jeffrey sipped his coffee and said appreciatively. “She’s worried the rain could flood the tomb and cause a collapse, so she’s digging a drainage channel”
Everyone was stunned–she’d actually thought that far ahead? A few of the guys instantly grabbed shovels and raced out into the rain to help.
“This student of yours is really remarkable, Mr. Parker, Henry said, impressed.
“This kid has real talent. But… Jeffrey sighed, trailing off.
About ten minutes later, Rachel and five boys returned to the tent, soaking wet.
Sharon quickly grabbed a coat and wrapped it around Rachel’s shoulders. “Rachel, I’m so sorry for misjudging you earlier, Go ahead and give me an earful if you want.”
Why would I scold you? You didn’t do anything wrong. We just have different perspectives,” Rachel replied kindly.
Sharon felt even guiltier. She had thought Rachel was slacking off. Hut in reality, Rachel had been so much more thoughtful. After t this incident, Sharon admired Rachel even more.
“Rachel, if you hadn’t made that mistake back then, you’d definitely be an expert in this field by now,” Sharon said,
Rachel smiled and shook her head. “Cut it out. I’m still learning the ropes and have so much to figure out. I’ll be picking your brains about professional stuff down the line.”
“Come on. You’re still as sharp as ever. Let’s work hard together,” Sharon said.
Summer Horns came and went quickly. By around seven, the rain had already stopped, leaving the ground sticky and slippery.
Jeffrey, too old for crawling around the tomb, said, “Have Rachel lead the team inside. Get everything cleared out before nightfall”
Rachel stared at Jeffrey in disbelief.
y shot her a look that said, “You’ve got this.”
Jeffrey
Feeling flattered and motivated, Rachel quickly perked up to focus on the task.
9.54 AM c c
Chapter
Despite being out of practice for years, Rachel leaned on her professional skills and worked seamlessly with her team. Together, they managed to clear out all the burial artifacts before dark.
The noblewoman’s coffin had undergone special handling and couldn’t be moved immediately,
As darkness settled in, most of the team packed up to head out. Henry assigned a few crew members in stay behind and keep watch
Despite the area being remote, news of the tonth’s discovery had already spread. With the emerald brooch still inside the coffin, everyone was worried about potential looters
well.
Thus, a few people had to stay behind to keep an eye on it. But nobody seemed keen on volunteering to stay in t
in the remote wilderness.
Rachel volunteered without hesitation. Sharon, now won over by Rachel’s earlier performance, quickly offered to stay as
Henry picked two more guys to round out the security team. Then the main crew packed up the artifacts and headed out,
The nighttime temperature dropped quickly. Rachel had gotten soaked in the rain earlier, and now her nose was stuffed up. Her voice had turned raspy from the cold.
The makeshift tent was basically a wind tunnel. The two guy’s scroungeil up some firewood and got a small fire going to keep everyone warm. But even with the fire crackling, the wind cut right through them, and they were all freezing and starving.
“I should’ve eaten more at lunch,” a boy lamented, shivering slightly.
Rachel grabbed a flashlight and stepped outside. A few minutes later, she returned with a big bundle of herbs.
“Sharon,” she called. “Can you put the stainless steel pot on the fire? I’ll wash these off, We’ll brew the herbs to warn us up and give us a boos
“You actually know about herbs! That’s amazing!” Sharon exclaimed, eyes wide with admiration
Rachel had never imagined that the books she once read out of boredom would come in so handy today.
After drinking the herbal brew, the team felt a warmth spreading through them and their energy levels visibly picked up.
The next morning, when Jeffrey found out Rachel had given everyone herb brew, he was even more impressed by her quick thinking-
They wrapped up the project two days ahead of schedule. On the return trip, Rachel hucked out and got a seat next to Jeffrey.
With the mission accomplished, everyone was in great mood. As they chatted, the conversation turned to the noblewoman’s pendant.
Suddenly, Rachel thought of something. “You are so knowledgeable. Have you ever seen this before, Mr. Parker?” she asked and showed him a photo a gemstone pendant
Jeffrey took the phone, and his eyes went wide with shock.
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