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.”
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Reborn Admirer Wins Over My Heart (Oriana)