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Novel Catalog
Chapter 88
“I didn’t think I’d be able to hear Ms. Bonita’s unique take on research at today’s gathering. I’ve learned more from her than from reading entire journals! What a fruitful day!” One of the elderly professors said as he opened the door, speaking with his fellow researchers.
“Agreed! Thank you, Ms. Bonita. I’m sorry you had to talk about work over lunch,” another added.
Then, a young woman’s voice cut through the air, standing out among the older professors. “It was nothing. I was just talking.”
Ivor froze in his tracks. Was that Bonnie’s voice?
Before he could finish processing the thought, Bonnie emerged from the room, her presence unmistakable. The professors continued to shower her with praise.
The moment their eyes met, Bonnie’s widened slightly. Was that… Bonnie? What was she doing here? Trina’s eyes also widened, while Hadwin stood in stunned silence, completely gobsmacked.
“W–What are you doing here?” Ged blurted, voicing the million-dollar question.
It was a mind-boggling sight. Bonnie, an ordinary student and seemingly a nobody, was now surrounded by the most prestigious scientists in Pyralis. Those old professors were part of Ms. Bonita’s research institute, too. How could this be?
Bonnie composed herself, a small smile playing on her lips as she responded nonchalantly, “I know some people from Ms. Bonita’s research institute. They invited me out for a meal.”
She turned to Professor Terry, her tone casual. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Terry?”
Professor Terry shuddered at the way she addressed him. It was true he was old enough to be her grandfather, but in the world of knowledge, age didn’t matter. Bonnie’s academic prowess was unmatched, and she held a position of leadership within her field.
“Y–Yes. That’s what happened,” he said with a sheepish grin.
Ivor glanced at Bonnie, then at Professor Terry, his gaze lowering slightly. He seemed to have some guilt in his eyes, as if there was a hidden truth he was trying to keep under wraps.
Unable to contain herself any longer, Trina ducked out from her hiding place to confront Bonnie. “How did you meet one of Ms. Bonita’s researchers? Who exactly do you know? Why didn’t I hear anything about this?”
Usually, Trina could maintain composure, but this situation had completely shattered her calm. Bonnie, who had always seemed like a good-for-nothing despite her accolades, had aced her SATs, won the Best Scholar Award, and now, had some mysterious connection to Ms. Bonita’s research institute!
Trina could barely contain the jealousy bubbling within her. But what was truly eating her up was the fact that Bonnie, of all people, had access to the top-tier researchers of the city.
“Is that you, Trina? What are you doing here? Did you wait out here because you heard about the gathering? Who are you waiting for? Ms. Bonita?” Bonnie’s tone sharpened, and her frown deepened. “How dare you!”
Something in Bonnie’s words struck a chord with Trina. Whether it was the sharpness in her voice or the truth behind her words, Trina’s face paled.
“W–What nonsense are you saying? W–We didn’t know that Ms. Bonita was here. We were just passing by,” Trina stammered, trying to salvage the situation.
Bonnie’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint appearing in them. “Is that so? You’d better come clean. Otherwise, I’ll have the manager and our waiter confirm it. They’re the only ones who knew we were in this private room. I’m sure they won’t have the guts to lie in front of these prestigious researchers.”
Trina felt a chill run down her spine. Bonnie had the upper hand now, and Trina felt smaller than ever. It was as though she had become an insect beneath Bonnie’s feet, completely powerless.
This wasn’t fair! Why was Bonnie part of her wealthy family? How did she get engaged to Hadwin when she hadn’t even put in any effort into their relationship? How did she deserve to be associated with Ms. Bonita’s researchers?
Trina’s rage flared up once more, this time burning with vengeance.
“Stop acting all high and mighty, Bonnie,” she sneered. “Do you think you’re some kind of hot shot because you know someone from Ms. Bonita’s research institute? What gives you the right to act like this?”
Bonnie’s expression remained unchanged, but Trina wasn’t finished.
“The way I see it, you must have used some dirty tricks. I heard you hired someone to pretend to be your boyfriend to pick you up at school. And you seem to have a lot of money lately. You haven’t even been spending nights at home. Be honest—did you seduce someone from the research institute?” Trina’s voice was laced with venom.