Book For Read
Chapter 66
Chapter 66
At Superiority College, a venerable and powerful institution sitting at the pinnacle of academia, a new post on social media was stirring up a storm of debate.
The comments below were filled with skepticism
“This student must be something special to get a direct admission offer, right?”
“Think a renowned mathematician can be bought with money? You gotta be kidding! Come on, enlighten us about the credentials of the one mentioned in the post!”
There followed a thread enlightening everyone about Frankie, a famous mathematician, listing the contributions he had made to the field over the years.
His research achievements were so significant that he could well be considered a national treasure!
There were doubters, and others who joined in calling for an explanation.
“Mathematicians aren’t human? Everyone loves money!”
“Some say Ms. Delaney is special, so here’s her background for you. Raised in an orphanage, no notable achievements until this year when she aced the Galaxy Math Whiz Competition and the National League.”
“Let’s be honest, two first places is impressive. If she had just followed the usual path and competed in the Mathematics Olympiad, her direct admission to Superiority College would be a no– brainer. But why the rush? Why not wait for more convincing results? From an outsider’s perspective, there has to be a backstory.”
“Conspiracy theory alert. Could it be that someone’s grades can’t stand up to scrutiny? After all, you can cheat in regional exams, but the Mathematics Olympiad is nationwide. Read between the lines.”
“In any case, we expect the admissions office to clarify!”
With the online community in an uproar, the social media team at Superiority College had already flagged the issue to the admissions office.
The admissions officer approached Frankie, “Mr. Thomas, if we don’t provide an explanation soon, we might even get inquiries from the national admissions authorities. Can’t we go public with her proof of Batra’s Conjecture?”
Frankie sighed, “To announce it before the journal publication wouldn’t be fair to her.”
Publishing a paper was a complex process. No one could be sure if someone else had submitted similar work before them or if the journal would indeed publish it in the next issue. What if something unexpected happened?
Frankie’s cautious approach was his way of protecting Cordelia.
The admissions officer sighed, “But this means you’ll take the heat. Don’t worry, the college stands by you. For your safety, you might want to stay in the lab for now.”
Frankie nodded his understanding.
But even the college couldn’t shield him from the journalists and malicious speculation that had infiltrated the campus. Once, en route to the cafeteria, Frankie was ambushed by a reporter who had slipped into the school grounds. Had it not been for his graduate students, he might have been injured.
Superiority College tightened security to control the influx of visitors.
This led to another wave of online noise, ‘Superiority College beefs up security, still no statement!‘
The debate heated up again.
When Frankie returned to his lab, his heart was still racing from the close call.
Then, he received a call from his friend at Top Crest Academy, Farrar, who immediately started in with advice,
11:19
“See, ! told you not to make it so obvious, and now look at the mess. Why don’t you ever listen?”
Frankie exhaled deeply. Farrar didn’t understand his dilemma.
Cordelia was as talented as they come, a fact well–known to Frankie. She had even competed in physics. If the math community didn’t show her due respect, what would stop her from switching fields?
He was putting his neck on the line to recruit Lia to Superiority College, and here was Farrar, mocking him…
Taking a deep breath, Frankie retorted, “I hope you can still say that in a week.”
With that, he hung up.
Cordelia was not one to browse the internet and was blissfully unaware of the online saga.
She returned home after her physics competition, before the story had blown up. It wasn’t until Monday at
school that the situation intensified.
Now that both her math and physics competitions were over, and the special preparatory classes canceled, Cordelia could finally attend normal classes full–time.
Stepping out of the Midnight Scent, she sensed whispers and stares, but being naturally oblivious and indifferent to others‘ opinions, she made her way back to class without a care.
The Experimental Science Class was usually dead silent before lessons started, everyone buried in their problems. But today was different. It was abuzz with gossip about her situation.
One of her classmates asked Juliana, “What’s the deal with Cordelia? Did your family really bribe that professor?”
Juliana lowered her head and sighed, “My uncle did go on a business trip recently, but I have no idea where he went. I wouldn’t know about anything else.”
Her words weren’t an admission, but the mention of a “business trip” was suggestive.
The acid–tongued student couldn’t resist commenting. “I always thought Cordelia was quiet and studious, the ice queen. She turns out to be just another one taking shortcuts. Shameless!”
At that, Merry leapt to her feet and shouted back, “What proof do you have that Lia took shortcuts? Slandering without evidence? The Delaney family could sue you for that!”
Juliana replied with sarcasm, “Merry, we’re all classmates here. Let’s not get too serious. The lawyers in our family wouldn’t bother with such trifles…”
Merry snapped back, “Shut your mouth, Juliana! Don’t act all innocent here. You suggest Lia’s dad went on a business trip? Let me tell you, I’ve grown up with Leila, and I’ve seen through your trick! You’re no match for Leila!”
Juliana’s face turned beet red with rage, “How dare you talk to me that way?”
“Just tell the truth!”
“You…!”
When Cordelia walked in, Juliana was on the verge of a tantrum, but the classroom fell into a sudden hush at
the sight of her. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Cordelia didn’t seem to care, heading for her seat when Daniel entered the room and called out, “Cordelia, Latham wants to see you in his office.”
Cordelia paused briefly, then nodded.
As soon as she left, the classroom buzzed with speculation.
“What does Latham want with her? You don’t think she’s in trouble, do you?”
“No way, her dad’s a big shot! She wouldn’t need to pull any stunts.”
Meanwhile, at the Midnight Scent.
Everard was mulling over the situation when he saw Keen had shared a comment from a post.
The original post read, “With another candidate, Keen, having an equally impressive record, why was he not chosen instead of Cordelia? Is it because the Delaney family is richer?”
Keen had replied, “What gave you the impression I’m short on cash? Besides, I have faith in Cordelia. See her at the Mathematics Olympiad.”