My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 256 Promise

“Mr. Flint, there’s still no progress today…”

54%

+5 Free Coins

Cormac’s students stood before him, shrinking under his gaze, their voices trembling as they stammered through their excuses. The sight of them only infuriated him further. Not one of them, he thought bitterly, had even half of Oriana’s composure or confidence when facing him.

“Get out!” he roared. “Useless! All of you–get out!”

His voice thundered through the lab. Chairs scraped, papers rustled, and within seconds the students scattered in panic.

A few were so flustered they nearly dropped their lab reports on the floor.

Watching their pathetic retreat only stoked the flames of Cormac’s anger.

“Mr. Flint.”

Leo and Luna appeared in the doorway moments later. The lab was eerily silent now, the air thick with tension. Luna hesitated, stopping at the threshold, afraid to step inside.

Leo, however, furrowed his brow and walked straight toward him.

“Mr. Flint, are you alright?” he asked cautiously.

“Alright? Look at these fools–how could I possibly be alright?” Cormac snapped.

But when his eyes met Leo’s–serious, composed, intelligent–his fury ebbed just a little.

Among all his students, Leo was the one who truly satisfied him, the one who reminded him of his own younger self.

Still scowling, Cormac said, “Leo, you need to concentrate on your first draft. You must take first place this time.”

Leo nodded. “I understand, Mr. Flint. I’m confident.”

“Good.” Cormac’s tone softened slightly. “You’ve always been diligent and perceptive–you’ve inherited much of my spirit. Your ability is beyond question.”

Then his expression hardened again, anger flashing in his

eyes.

“But we have to pick two top students this round You’re one… but who can I possibly count on for the other?”

L

1/3

12:04 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 256 Promise

54%

+5 Free Coins

Leo frowned slightly. “James has always done well with his papers. His analyses are quite insightful…”

“James?” Cormac cut him off instantly, his tone sharp. “No. He’s only good for collecting data. -nothing more. He doesn’t have what it takes to be second or third author, let alone lead!”

Cormac was not a man who forgot a slight. Anyone who had ever crossed him could forget about getting another chance.

What Leo didn’t realize, however, Cormac knew all too well.

He had been so relentlessly harsh on James that the young man must have built up deep

resentment.

For now, James kept his head down, obedient and subdued–but given the slightest opportunity, he might turn on him.

That kind of risk, Cormac would never allow.

Leo’s expression shifted, as if he were about to speak up on James‘ behalf. But before he could, a soft voice came from the doorway.

“Mr. Flint,” Luna said carefully, “there’s also me. I’ll work hard to earn second place for you.”

Both men turned to look at her.

“You?”

Cormac gave her a brief glance and shook his head. “You’re not as good as Oriana.”

1

The words hit her like a slap. Luna’s face went pale, her pride stung.

She forced a smile, though her stomach churned with bitterness and humiliation.

Still, she couldn’t afford to show it.

Inside, her thoughts were a storm. Leo only ever thought of James, and Cormac–after everything she had done for him–had turned his back the moment it suited him.

They had promised her a chance at the top journal, yet now he claimed she wasn’t as good as Oriana.

No wonder the two of them got along so well; neither of them could be trusted.

Swallowing her anger, Luna stepped forward, her expression composed and sincere. “Mr. Flint, please give me a chance,” she said earnestly. “I’ll push myself and deliver a first draft

2/3

12:04 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 256 Promise

you’ll be satisfied with.”

$45

+5 Free Coms

Before Cormac could shut her down again, she added quickly, “And with Leo’s guidance, I’m confident I can secure second place for you.”

Cormac hesitated. His eyes darkened as he studied her for a long moment.

“Alright,” he said at last. “You’re the only one who’s even remotely acceptable. You were second in your year at Seabar, weren’t you–right behind Oriana? With Leo’s help, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

Luna was so furious she could have keeled over on the spot.

Second best? What did he mean by that–that she still needed Leo’s help just to catch up to Oriana?

Cormac was out of his mind! Always tearing her down while singing someone else’s praises. That sick old man! She fumed silently, but on the surface, her expression didn’t falter. “Yes, Mr. Flint,” she said with a practiced smile. I won’t let you down.”

Cormac’s expression stayed stiff and unenthusiastic, as though he expected little from her.

Still, he trusted Leo enough to turn to him and give a stern warning. “Keep a close eye on Luna. My reputation depends on both of you.”

“Yes, Mr. Flint,” they replied in unison.

***

Meanwhile, in the hospital office, William had brewed coffee for everyone. With the door closed and no outsiders around, Bryan and Randolph sat looking rather sheepish.

“Mr. Harris,” Bryan began, “we almost got you into serious trouble today. We’re terribly sorry.”

William chuckled and waved a hand. “No need for apologies. You were only trying to help- the problem lies with Cormac, not with you.”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then smiled. “In fact, I should be thanking you. Cormac and I have never exactly been on good terms. He’s probably been plotting against me for a while, especially when it comes to the top journal selection. But thanks to today’s little… misunderstanding, I got the perfect chance to confront him directly. Otherwise, I’d still be worrying he might sabotage Oriana behind my back.”

Seeing that William wasn’t just offering polite reassurances but genuinely meant what he said, Bryan and Randolph finally looked a bit more at ease.