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Chapter 97
The documents on Jane’s bedside table, which she reviewed more thoroughly this time, included a detailed outline of the upcoming psychological knowledge competition, complete with proposed discussion topics. Her curiosity was piqued–perhaps engaging with this new generation of students could offer unexpected surprises.
Meanwhile, back home, Sarah stared out her window, lost in thought. Jane’s words replayed in her mind. She had to admit, Jane was right. After years of studying abroad and participating in cutting–edge psychological research, Jane had become a trailblazer in the field. Her return to host forums in East Coast wasn’t just about solving academic problems; it also focused on analyzing and dissecting unique psychological cases, making her time exceptionally valuable.
To persuade Jane to participate, Sarah would need to offer something even more valuable than Jane’s current priorities- something she didn’t have. With that realization, she knew she had to let it go.
The next day, Sarah headed straight to the dean’s office, “Sir, I’m sorry, but Jane Lawrence won’t be able to attend the
competition.”
The dean sighed, as if he’d expected this outcome. “I had a feeling it might turn out this way.”
“What about the board?” Sarah asked hesitantly, worried about the repercussions. The Chancer family, particularly Mrs.
Chancer, had proven themselves more than capable of stirring trouble,
As if on cue, Mrs. Chancer barged in, her daughter Lucy in tow. “Oh, Sarah is here too? Perfect. Saves me the trouble of looking for you,” she said, her tone dripping with condescension.
Sarah frowned, while Dean Larson quickly forced a polite smile. “To what do we owe the pleasure, Mrs. Chancer?”
“We’re here about Jane Lawrence,” Mrs. Chancer replied, glancing at Lucy as if signaling her to add fuel to the fire.
Lucy didn’t miss a beat. “Exactly! Mom, wasn’t it Miss Sanders here who said she’d already arranged everything with Jane
Lawrence? You even confirmed it this morning when Professor Wells called, didn’t you? And now, with the whole forum buzzing about it, I can’t help but wonder–Sarah, will Jane Lawrence actually show up?”
Sarah met Lucy’s gaze coldly. “Professor Lawrence has declined the invitation.”
“What?” Mrs. Chancer shrieked, her voice rising an octave. “How is that possible? You told everyone she agreed, and now, just one night later, you’re saying she refused? Are you playing games, Sarah? The entire board knows about this, and reporters have already been invited. How do you plan to explain yourself?”
“I never said she accepted,” Sarah replied firmly. “My phone was stolen, and someone used it to cause this misunderstanding.”
Mrs. Chancer scoffed, her voice laced with mockery. “And you think blaming a lost phone absolves you of responsibility? Maybe Jane turned you down because she found out about your past scandals. Or worse, maybe you offended her so much she couldn’t
stand the idea of working with you.”
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Lucy chimed in, her smirk triumphant. “That’s probably it! Don’t forget, Sarah, you only got to meet Jane because of my birthday
banquet. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had the chance. And yet, even with that head start, you still got rejected. Guess
karma catches up with some people faster than others.”
Mrs. Chancer turned to the dean, her tone loaded with implication. “This competition has become a complete mess. Surely you
don’t think brushing this off with a few words will be enough? This doesn’t just affect my family–it involves the entire board.”
Sarah remained silent. She knew she’d been thoroughly set up. The board wouldn’t care about her missing phone or the truth
behind the mix–up. Their only concern was maintaining their reputation and maximizing their interests.
