The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 393

Nikolai cannot fathom how his sister has become so arrogantly delusional. He assumes she is desperate for the spotlight, but this is a scientific symposium, not a reality TV show. She can't just memorize a script and fake her way through a complex botanical analysis.

"I know you are desperate to prove yourself," Jade says, seizing the opportunity to strike. "But this isn't the entertainment industry. You can't just sing a song and pretend you have talent. This is advanced research. Don't mislead these professionals just because you want attention."

Jade is convinced Tara simply recorded her earlier presentation and is planning to parrot the words back to steal the credit. The sheer audacity makes Jade furious.

"Weren't you just struggling to breathe?" Tara asks, raising an eyebrow. "Your lungs seem to be working perfectly fine now."

Jade's mouth snaps shut, her face burning as she is caught in her own lie yet again.

"Like I said, Nikolai, take her to the hospital. Get a psychiatrist to check her head, and maybe they can examine yours while they're at it to see why you're so dense," Tara says, completely exhausted by their presence.

"Do not push me, Tara!" Nikolai roars, hovering on the edge of a total meltdown.

Jade bites her lip, playing the silent, tragic victim. She can't win a verbal sparring match with Tara, but witnessing Nikolai's growing hatred for his biological sister is a massive victory in her eyes.

"They make a valid point. The symposium is an open forum. If Tara has the confidence to present, why are you interfering?"

Everyone turns to see Jake stepping out from the shadows. His sudden appearance and blatant defense of Tara sends a shockwave through the room. Jade shrinks back, terrified. She hasn't forgotten the violent, terrifying side of him she witnessed at the hospital.

"Jake... why are you taking her side?" Nikolai asks, utterly bewildered. Jake and Tara used to be at each other's throats. Moreover, Jake had always been Jade's fiercest protector. Watching his older brother publicly defend Tara feels like a betrayal.