Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 204

“She bought a championship, then paid PR firms to plaster articles everywhere calling herself a once-in-a-century math genius. Her entire reputation is manufactured.”

“So whose championship did Marie buy? If it was someone wealthy, that’s one thing. But what if it was someone from a poor family? That could have been their chance to change their life.”

“Exactly! A gold medal in the International Math League’s championship would get you job offers from top research institutes, universities, and major corporations. Marie stole someone’s chance to change their destiny.”

Marie’s face turned green with rage. “You fickle mob!” she shrieked. “They’re clearly working together, setting a trap for me! It’s all an act, and you’re falling for it! No matter what, I would never steal from Natalie. She’s just some country bumpkin. The idea that I’d steal her championship is laughable!”

Patrick replied coolly, “I never said you stole Natalie’s championship. You admitted that yourself.”

Marie froze. He had been baiting her.

“I… I… You all set me up!”

“People can judge for themselves. I think your reaction makes it clear you have a guilty conscience. You don’t have to admit it. I’m sure the guests here would be more than willing to help you uncover the truth.”

With that, Patrickturned to Natalie. “Let’s go. We can find a quiet place to discuss our collaboration.”

As Patrick and Natalie’s group left, all eyes were on Marie, filled with judgment. So her championship was stolen. Her image of being beautiful, rich, and brilliant was all a carefully constructed persona.

Furious, Marie stormed out.

Darren’s face was dark, and Victoria, completely humiliated, left in a huff. The shame was unbearable.

***

Natalie didn’t expect the question. As she fell silent, she heard him say, “It’s okay. I’m your second chance.”

She looked up at him. “Your talent shouldn’t be wasted,” he said. “You shouldn’t be trapped by convention. Join my research institute. Your life is meant to be brilliant.”

As Patrick looked at Natalie, he pictured her in her white school uniform, her hair in a ponytail, the stray strands at her forehead catching the wind. Her innocent smile was etched into his memory.

He remembered the late-night study sessions. He would deliberately wait in his classroom until she happened to walk past his door, then quickly step out to walk alongside her. Natalie probably never knew he was waiting for her on purpose.

Now, he regretted his youthful restraint. On that tree-lined path back to the dorms, if he had just taken her hand, would things be different now?

He was the one with the deepest regrets. He regretted never telling Natalie he liked her.