Chapter 186

"Is this really happening?" Isabella's eyes sparkled with excitement, her voice trembling slightly.

Professor Beatrice gave an elegant nod. "Of course."

"I'd love to!" Isabella blurted out eagerly. "Being your student has always been my dream."

She seemed to have completely forgotten she'd just left Professor Eleanor's residence.

"Very well. Your name is..."

"Professor Merouin, I'm Isabella Evans, a biology major at Harvard." Isabella quickly supplied.

"A Harvard student?" The professor's lips curved in approval. "Your foundation must be solid. Report to Zone C when semester starts. I'll introduce you to the senior researchers."

Senior researchers?

Isabella's pulse quickened. Professor Merouin led national-level research projects. If she could join...

This was an elite team even Evelyn might not qualify for!

Her smile grew sweeter.

Professor Merouin approved of her enthusiasm.

Glancing toward Professor Eleanor's house, a cold glint flashed in her eyes.

For years, departmental resources had favored Eleanor Roland. Why?

Just because that old woman had seniority?

Three years without progress on her research topic. Mediocre graduate students.

This year she'd accepted three underqualified candidates, including one who took multiple attempts to pass the entrance exam.

Clearly losing her edge.

Not like her own carefully vetted selection.

Isabella came from wealth—future research funding wouldn't be an issue.

This time, let's see how Eleanor Roland competes!

...

Meanwhile, the so-called "underqualified candidate" Evelyn Langley was gathering gardening tools.

"Weeds cleared, dead branches pruned, all plants watered." She gave detailed instructions. "It's getting colder—wait a few days before watering again."

Professor Eleanor sighed. "I'm your advisor, not an elderly patient needing care."

Evelyn pulled on her down jacket and linked arms with the professor. "Last time you forgot to water... The baby bok choy is washed and ready in the kitchen. The housekeeper can stir-fry it directly."

The older woman endured her fussing with indulgent eyes.

"It's already dark," the professor pretended to scowl. "Now you're more long-winded than me."

Evelyn laughingly tightened the professor's shawl. "Leaving now. I'll visit again soon."

"Travel safely." Professor Eleanor stood at the doorway watching.

Only when the young woman disappeared into the night did the elderly professor's straight posture gradually slump, her smile slowly freezing into something else entirely.