Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 39

Ivy stared at the equipment in the crate, shaking her head in amazement. “My god... Grace, how much must this thing cost?”

Grace shook her head, her voice sounding a little faint. “It’s not about the money.”

“It means he actually... read my paper. And he understood it.”

This gift was so thoughtful it was unnerving.

He understood her career, her ambitions, and exactly what she needed most.

That level of respect and understanding struck a deeper chord with her than any tacky piece of jewelry ever could.

On the very top layer of the packaging, there was a card.

It was made of fine, white cardstock.

There were only six words on it.

“Well-deserved. A brilliant future awaits.”

There was no signature, only the name “Clarke.”

There were no ambiguous phrases, only sincere congratulations and the best of wishes.

Grace held the card, her fingertips turning white.

A stone had been dropped into the quiet pool of her heart, sending out complex ripples.

There was gratitude, apprehension, and also a touch of... warmth.

In this world, besides her grandmother and Ivy, he was the first person to acknowledge her career with such solemnity.

“Grace, you don’t think... this Mr. Clarke is interested in you, do you?” Ivy leaned in, her face full of gossip.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Grace denied it immediately, though a faint blush warmed her cheeks.

“He’s just... expressing his admiration and support.”

She carefully closed the lid on the equipment and tucked the card into a compartment in her wallet.

She made a silent resolution.

This was too great a favor.

She had to find a chance to thank him in person.

His name was Patrick Grant, the vice president of the institute and Grace’s beloved mentor from her doctoral studies.

Back when she was falsely accused of plagiarism and her reputation was ruined, everyone had avoided her like the plague. Only Dr. Grant had still believed in her, even working behind the scenes to help her.

“My dear child, you’re finally back!”

Dr. Grant walked up and patted her shoulder, his eyes slightly red with emotion.

“I read your paper. It’s brilliant! Absolutely beautiful! I always knew my student was not the kind of person who would plagiarize!”

“Professor, thank you,” Grace said, a lump forming in her throat.

This trust and recognition from a senior figure was her most precious treasure.

“None of that ‘thank you’ business. It’s just good to have you back!” Dr. Grant laughed heartily. “Come, I’ll take you to get your paperwork sorted out. I’ve already prepared an office and a lab for you—the best in the whole institute!”

“Professor, that’s too much...”

“Nonsense! You deserve it!”

Dr. Grant took her by the arm, talking as they walked. “You have no idea how envious those old-timers were when your paper came out! Several of them wanted to snatch you up for their own teams!”