NovelUpdateAround noon, Alexander called her.
"The old man put on an act today, asking about the VistaLink Technologies project. Truth is, he's just curious about your direction now that you're back in the game. Here's what you should do: pull together your data and send it his way. He won't be able to resist." This was the perfect chance to break the ice.
If the professor could see what she was capable of now, maybe he'd finally let go of the grudges he'd been holding.
Still, Elodie was nervous. Years ago, she'd planned to apply for his graduate program—until everything changed. She'd thrown it all away to save Ivan, only to end up sold off to the Silverstein family like schattel, her future lost in the process.
She didn't hesitate. She compiled every idea she had and sent it all to Charlie's email.
It wasn't until nearly eight that night that Charlie finally called.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe answered with a tight fist, heart pounding.
There was silence on the other end.
After what felt like forever, a gruff voice broke through. "Cat got your tongue? Turned into a church mouse?" Elodie felt a twinge of guilt and mumbled, "No..." "All right. I read your VistaLink Technologies project proposal. Not bad for your first big move coming back. Still, this field moves fast. If you want to make your mark, you can't afford to coast or just talk a big game." If Elodie hadn't lost those three years, she'd be so much further by now.
Geniuses are common; true prodigies are rare.
Charlie had always held high hopes for her.
He'd kept a spot open for her in his graduate program year after year, but she'd been too caught up in her marriage to break free.
Elodie took a slow, steady breath. "I'll keep working hard." She didn't know where her life would end, or when her illness would finally overtake her. All she could do was race against time.
Charlie was silent again for a moment, then let out a weary sigh. "How have you been these past few years?" Elodie knew what he really meant he was asking about her marriage.
Shsealed her lips; she couldn't find any words.
Charlie gave another impatient grunt. "Quiet again? That Jarrod fellow keeps trying to meet me, always pushing that young man to my attention. Why do you think that is?" He knew Jarrod was her husband; Alexander had already told him as much. So when Jarrod showed up with Sylvie in tow, Charlie had his suspicions. Elodie pressed her lips together. "You've probably already guessed." She knew Alexander wouldn't have revealed the details, but Jarrod's actions had made things painfully obvious. With that kind of blatant favoritism, how could Charlie not figure it out? All she felt now was shame.
She'd given up everything for so many reasons-and this was what she'd ended up with.
Foolish, and not worth it.
This time, the professor didn't scold her again.
He could tell how hard it was for her to talk about it.
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Instead, he sounded both angry and wounded. "If that's how it is, them focus on yourself. A man's heart isn't worth a dime-if you lose it, you move on! Don't let it cost you your talent." Elodie exhaled, feeling the tension start to ease. "I understand." As always, Professor Charlie was prickly and stubborn, impossible to placate when he was upset. He didn't even give her the chance to say anything else he just hung up.
But somehow, that left her feeling lighter.
She felt more motivated, more certain of what she needed to do.
If the chance ever came... she still wanted to apply for his graduate program someday.
For now, though, Elodie had more pressing matters to handle.
Her mother's third memorial was coming up, and she had plans.
She still hadn't told her grandmother or uncle about the divorce; there just yet. If hadn't been a good opportunity they were going to hold the memorial, Jarrod would need to keep up appearances for a little longer. She'd have to talk to him about it.
After thinking it through, Elodie reached for her phone to call Jarrod but then she remembered the last time, when Sylvie had answered instead. In the end, she dialed her grandmother's number.
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