Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 149

Rise of the Banished She–Wolf

Chapter 149

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Evelyn

The early morning sun cast long shadows across the University of Seattle campus as Lily and I made our way through the quad. Students bustled around us, some rushing to class while others lounged on benches, soaking up the warmth.

I’m telling you, Ev, everybody’s been talking about that decoding competition, Lily said, nudging me with her elbow. “You’re practically a celebrity now.”

I rolled my eyes. “I doubt that.”

“No, seriously! Look at how they’re all staring.”

It was true. As we walked, heads turned and whispers followed. I caught snippets of conversation, most mentioning my name alongside phrases like ‘special

advisor” and “Hall connection.”

“They’re just gossiping,” I said, adjusting my bag on my shoulder. “It’ll blow over.”

As we approached the Computer Science building, a group of students huddled near the entrance fell silent. One of them, a tall guy with glasses I recognized from my Advanced Algorithms class, stepped forward.

“So you’re the special guest advisor for the competition committee now?” he asked, not bothering to hide his skepticism. “Guess having connections with Hall Enterprises really pays off, huh?”

I stopped walking. I could feel heat rising to my face as anger bubbled up inside me. “Connections? Are you implying that I, Evelyn Gray, don’t have the skills and got where I am by sleeping with someone?*

The hallway went silent. I saw Lily’s eyes widen beside me.

“You’re all college students,” I continued, my voice cutting through the tension. “You should know better than to spread rumors without checking official

data.

The guy shifted uncomfortably. “It’s just—”

“If you’re so curious,” I interrupted, “why don’t you check my profile on the university’s official website? My credentials are on the university website.”

Several students pulled out their phones, typing furiously.

“Holy shit,” one girl gasped after a moment. “It’s true. It’s really her! Look–it says computer science expert, pharmaceutical specialist…

“But she’s our age, another student protested weakly.

“Age doesn’t determine expertise,” I replied coolly. “Effort and talent do.”

The tall guy looked genuinely shocked. ‘I… I didn’t realize-

“Of course you didn’t,” Lily jumped in, puffing up her chest. “You think you can be friends with someone like Evelyn with that attitude? Please.”

I fought back a smile at Lily’s fierce defense. ‘Come on, Lily. We have things to do.”

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Chapter 149

As we walked away, a student called out, “Evelyn, can I get your signature? For my resume reference?

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I turned, feeling a mischievous idea form. ‘Sure. I’ll give you a medical case analysis test. Anyone who answers at least half correctly can have my signature.”

Their faces paled collectively, making me chuckle as I headed toward the Academic Advisor’s office.

“That was badass,” Lily whispered, grinning.

Inside the office, my request for a leave of absence was met with immediate resistance.

“Miss Gray, you’re one of our top students. Taking time off could jeopardize your academic standing, the advisor said, adjusting her glasses nervously.

“Then I’ll withdraw completely,” I replied without hesitation.

“What?” The advisor looked alarmed. “That’s extreme-

“My decision is final. Either approve my leave of absence or process my withdrawal.”

After fifteen minutes of back–and–forth, she reluctantly approved my request, clearly unwilling to lose a student with my academic record.

By late afternoon, I’d arrived at the hotel where Edward had arranged rooms for the competition team. I headed straight to Aiden’s suite, eager to discuss

the third test project.

Aiden, I’ve been thinking about the approach we should-” I stopped short when I saw Edward lounging on the sofa. “You’re still here?”

Edward smiled. “Good to see you too, Aurora.”

“I thought you’d be halfway to Europe by now.”

*I gave Aiden some land plots to survey,” Edward explained, his accent more pronounced than usual/“I want your input on the locations.”

Aiden pulled up several satellite images on his laptop. “These are prime spots, Ev. Secluded, but with good access.”

I studied the images, realization dawning. “You’re serious about opening a medical research facility for me?”

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