Chapter 94 - 93 Good News
*** EMILY ***
There are very few things worse than forced socialization with a billionaire stalker.
I sit at my glass vanity table and aggressively apply a neutral pink lipstick. Alistair practically ordered me to attend this ridiculous dinner at Bordeaux 101 tonight. I have actual corporate contracts to review with Victor Sterling. Instead, I get to spend my evening listening to Warren Sinclair deliver a fake, patronizing apology for invading my privacy.
My smartphone rings loudly from the center of the bed.
I set the lipstick tube down. I walk over and pick up the device. An unknown local number flashes on the bright digital screen. I swipe the green icon and press the phone to my ear.
"Emily Vance speaking," I say. My tone is strictly professional.
"Good day, Miss Vance," a warm, slightly raspy male voice replies. "This is Director Harrison calling from the Asuir Medical University admissions office. I have excellent news."
I freeze completely. My fingers tighten around the sleek metal casing of the phone.
"I’m sorry it took so long to get back to you on this. The board reviewed your preliminary data for the SN1818 formula," Director Harrison continues. "Your independent research is absolutely spectacular. The dean officially approved your special admission into our advanced doctoral program for the upcoming September term."
I stop breathing for three full seconds. The sheer magnitude of his words hits me like a freight train.
"You just need to submit your physical academic transcripts to finalize the process," he explains. "Whenever you have a free moment this week."
"I will be there in thirty minutes," I state instantly.
Director Harrison laughs softly. "We look forward to meeting you in person, Miss Vance."
The call ends. I drop the phone onto the mattress. A massive, unrestrained smile breaks across my face. I completely forget about Warren Sinclair. I forget about Alistair’s demanding attitude. I finally secured the academic credentials my family stole from me three years ago.
I move quickly. I strip off my silk robe and pull on a crisp pair of black trousers. I pair them with a tailored navy blue blazer. I carefully wrap fresh white medical tape over the healing blisters on my palms. I grab my leather tote bag and sprint out of the bedroom.
I find Leo waiting near the grand staircase. The massive head of security wears his usual black tactical suit. He looks completely stoic.
"Leo," I say brightly. "I need a car right now. We are going to the university."
"Right away, ma’am," Leo replies. He taps an earpiece and signals the garage staff.
Ten minutes later, I sit in the luxurious backseat of the glossy black Bentley. We merge smoothly into the mid-morning city traffic. The bright sun reflects sharply off the tall glass skyscrapers of the financial district. I tap my leather boots impatiently against the plush floor mats. I cannot sit still.
Leo glances at me through the rearview mirror. "You are in a remarkably good mood today, Miss Vance."
"I just bought myself a future, Leo," I reply. I look out the tinted window with a massive grin. "I am officially a medical student again."
"Congratulations," Leo says. A rare, subtle nod of respect tilts his broad head.
The Bentley exits the crowded highway and turns onto a quiet, tree-lined avenue. We approach the massive wrought-iron gates of Asuir Medical University. The historic stone archways tower high above the street. Green ivy climbs up the ancient brick walls of the science buildings.
Leo parks the luxury vehicle near the main administrative plaza. I step out into the warm morning air.
I stand completely still on the concrete sidewalk. I look up at the carved stone crest above the library doors.
The sheer weight of this moment crashes down on my shoulders. Three years ago, my family threw me out onto the street. They laughed at my ambitions. They told me I would absolutely fail. I scrubbed floors and slept on cheap mattresses just to afford basic chemistry textbooks.
My grandmother always believed in me. She spent her final days telling me I was brilliant. She desperately wanted to see me walk through these exact gates.
A hot, sharp prickling sensation hits the back of my eyes. My throat turns incredibly tight. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my vision. A single, heavy tear escapes and slides down my cheek. I wipe it away quickly with my bandaged thumb. I did it. I built the formula, and I fought my way right back into the light.
I take a deep breath. I straighten my navy blazer. I walk confidently up the wide concrete steps and push the heavy glass doors open.
The admissions office smells of stale coffee and printer ink. Director Harrison sits behind a large wooden desk. He is an older man with a receding hairline and thick, wire-rimmed spectacles resting on the tip of his nose. He wears a brown tweed jacket with worn elbow patches.
He stands up and shakes my bandaged hand warmly. I hand over the thick manila envelope containing my academic transcripts.
"Everything seems to be in perfect order, Miss Vance," Director Harrison says. He types a few quick keystrokes into his desktop computer. "I just need a permanent mailing address to send your official acceptance letter and your student identification package."
I open my mouth to give him the Wolfe Manor address.
I snap my mouth shut. The address of the most powerful billionaire in the state will immediately raise massive red flags in the admissions office. Alistair and I are secretly married. A public connection between a humble medical dropout and the ruthless CEO of the Wolfe empire will completely overshadow my personal achievements. People will simply assume Alistair bought my admission with a large donation.
"I have a highly unpredictable travel schedule," I say smoothly. I offer the director a polite smile. "I would heavily prefer to collect the official letter here in person. Is that possible?"
"Of course," Director Harrison nods. He clicks his computer mouse. "I will simply hold the envelope at the front desk for you."
"Thank you," I reply.
I step back out into the bright morning sun. The air feels lighter. My lungs expand completely. I conquered my past.
I walk back to the waiting Bentley. Leo opens the heavy car door for me. I slide into the plush leather seat with a deep sense of absolute peace. The minor annoyances of my life no longer matter. I am ready to go to Bordeaux 101. Warren Sinclair can play his pathetic billionaire spy games all night long. Nothing can touch my excellent mood now.