From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Brewing Storms

48 Pearls

“Don’t make things harder for me,” Aurora whispered, wiping away nonexistent tears, her eyes brimming with sorrow,

“If she made it through both the written test and the interview, she must really be capable.”

“We should just focus on training better from now on.”

Every word sounded like she was defending Scarlett.

But in reality, she was fanning the flames.

Dreame slammed the table in frustration.

“If she was so amazing, why didn’t Professor Hamilton mention her years ago when those so–called groundbreaking papers came out?”

“I think he was forced by power and influence–he had no choice but to slap her name on them.”

“She used to be the Joyner family’s heiress, didn’t she?”

“Even if not by blood, she didn’t live poorly. There’s no way she was going around rural hospitals collecting data.”

Her argument was compelling.

Several people nodded along.

Jose let out a cold chuckle.

“If Scarlett’s that impressive, I’d like to meet her.”

“I’ll invite her to dinner. Anyone else in?”

Dreame, having partnered with Jose before, immediately understood what he was after.

“Sure. We celebrate the champion every year. This year shouldn’t be any different.”

She looked around. “What about the rest of you? Coming?”

Christian had already left for other matters.

Aurora hesitated, then sent him a message.

Since this was tradition, Christian promised to attend.

Aurora finally spoke.

“Yeah, it’s the usual thing. I’ll go.”

Faye, who had been silent in the corner, suddenly became the center of attention.

He had no choice but to nod.

“I’m in.”

14:30 Wed, 13 Aug

Chapter 194 Brewing Storms

But in his heart, he couldn’t have been more unwilling.

+8 Pearls

Coming from a modest background, he always had to spend more than he could afford at these dinners.

Still, if he didn’t attend, he’d miss out on valuable internal intel–especially with doctoral program quotas coming up.

He needed to stay in the loop.

Jose glanced at his phone, his smile growing broader.

“James is coming too. Then we’ll see whether Professor Hamilton’s speech was a righteous stand–or a bow to pressure.”

Dreame’s eyes lit up at the name.

Her gloom lifted instantly.

She even looked a bit excited.

“James didn’t come last year. I thought he’d skip again. He’s my idol–I’ve got to share a few drinks with him this time.”

Jose frowned at her sparkly–eyed expression.

“Don’t forget why we’re going.”

Dreame pressed her lips together.

“Of course I know.”

Whatever came to mind just then made her sneer.

“Getting info from James is one thing. But we also need to file a formal complaint. Two–pronged approach -only way to get the truth!”

Jose nodded firmly.

“Exactly.”

His tone grew hard.

“I won’t allow privilege to trample on academic fairness.”

Dreame elbowed Aurora.

“Hey, you’re awfully quiet. You’re not thinking of running off to the Lane family to snitch, are you?”

Aurora immediately shook her head.

“No, I’m just worried about you guys. The Lane family has eyes and ears everywhere. If you go in too loud…”

Jose snapped his fingers with a grin.

“That’s the beauty of it. This is a national competition–the buzz is still trending online.”

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muy

Chapter 194 Brewing Storms

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+8 Pearls

“The Lane family’s powerful, sure. But as long as we keep the spotlight on them, they won’t dare make a move.”

“In fact, the more heat we stir up, the more likely others will join us.”

The Lane family had dominated Jalindale for years, hoarding resources–there was no shortage of

resentment.

This crusade against Scarlett’s alleged cheating?

It was really an excuse to bring down the Lane family’s entire reputation.

If they fell, others could scramble to snatch up the spoils.

The seminar itself was dry and technical, mostly revolving around nuclear fusion debates.

Scarlett was brought along by Jasper, but the discussion was so intense, no one paid her any mind.

And since she wasn’t given a chance to speak, everyone just assumed she was Jasper or Jack’s new assistant.

Still, Scarlett was deeply engaged the whole time: Even when it ended, she was reluctant to leave.

That evening-

Scarlett brought her teammates to Jingwei Zhai for dinner.

Jack had reserved the largest private room and made sure everyone ate and drank well.

Sharon hugged her arm tightly. “Don’t you dare forget me when you’re rich and famous!”

Scarlett laughed. “Right back at you.”

Sharon burst out laughing, and the mood lifted even more.

Jasper and Jack arrived late. Most people didn’t know who they were–just assumed they were Scarlett’s close friends.

The party was lively and cheerful.

It didn’t end until very late.

Scarlett hailed a cab to drop Sharon off at her hotel. Before getting in, a very drunk Sharon leaned into Scarlett’s ear.

“Jasper’s a total catch. Way better than Connor. Don’t give up a whole forest for one piece of trash. Go for it!”

Then she climbed into the taxi and disappeared into the night.

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From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots

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