Chapter 170 *
Scarlett’s POV
"You've got some nerve." His voice was getting louder. People were starting to stare. "After what you did to Zelda."
I felt a headache forming behind my eyes. "I didn't do anything to Zelda."
"Really? Because the entire campus is talking about how you sabotaged her lab work."
"I didn't sabotage anything. I did my own work. That's it."
"Zelda's been doing extractions for years." Nico crossed his arms. "There's no way you're better than her unless you cheated."
I actually laughed. I couldn't help it. "You think I cheated in an organic chemistry lab?"
"I think you pulled some dirty trick to make yourself look good."
"Or maybe I'm just better at chemistry than your precious princess." The words came out before I could stop them.
Nico's face went red. "This is how you treat your sister? Trying to steal her spotlight?"
"She's not my sister."
"Zelda's been nothing but kind to you. And this is how you repay her?"
I looked at Lily. She was watching the exchange with wide eyes.
Then I looked back at Nico. "Are you done?"
"You're making our family look bad."
"I'm not part of your family." I stepped closer to him. "Now get out of my way."
He didn't move.
I could feel anger building in my chest. The urge to say something cutting. Something that would hurt.
But I caught myself.
This wasn't worth it. He wasn't worth it.
None of them were worth it.
I grabbed Lily's arm. "Let's go."
"But he's blocking—"
"We'll use the other exit."
I turned and walked the other direction. Lily hurried to keep up.
Behind us, I heard one of Nico's friends say something. They all laughed.
"You're just going to let him talk to you like that?" Lily's voice was indignant.
"What do you want me to do? Fight him in the middle of the dining hall?"
"I mean you could."
"I'm not getting expelled over Nico Romano's ego."
We pushed through the back exit. The cold air hit my face.
"That was so frustrating to watch," Lily said. "He was being such a dick."
"That's just how he is." I adjusted my backpack. "The Romano family thinks loyalty to Zelda is some kind of sacred duty."
"But you're his actual sister."
"Biology doesn't mean anything to them." I started walking toward our next class. "They made their choice a long time ago."
"Still. He shouldn't be allowed to treat you like that."
"Let it go, Lily."
"But—"
"I'm serious." I stopped walking and turned to face her. "I need to stay away from these people before their stupidity becomes contagious."
Lily stared at me for a second. Then she burst out laughing.
"What?"
"You're so weird sometimes." She shook her head. "Most people would be pissed. You're worried about catching stupidity like it's the flu."
"It might as well be. Have you seen how they act?"
"Fair point."
We started walking again. I pulled out my phone to check the time.
That's when I saw the text.
Dr. Patterson: Would you have time for a walk tomorrow morning? I'd like to talk somewhere less formal than my office. How about the campus grounds around 10am?
I thought about it. Part of me wanted to decline. To keep my distance. To maintain the boundaries I'd set up.
But another part of me was curious.
Dr. Patterson had known my biological father. They'd worked together years ago. Maybe he could tell me things about my father that I'd never known.
Me: Sure. 10am works. Where should I meet you?
His reply came immediately.
Dr. Patterson: Let's meet at the entrance to the main quad. Looking forward to it.
The second morning. Scarlett walked across campus toward the main quad entrance. The morning air was crisp. Students hurried past with coffee cups and backpacks.
She spotted Dr. Patterson standing near the stone archway. He was checking his phone.
Then she saw someone else.
Zelda emerged from the science building about fifty feet away. She was walking fast. Her gucci bounced against her hip.
Scarlett felt her jaw tighten. The Romano family name was like a curse. These people showed up everywhere she went.
She kept walking. Ignored Zelda completely. Focused on Dr. Patterson.
But Zelda had seen her too. And she was moving faster now. Almost running.
Zelda reached Dr. Patterson first. She was slightly out of breath when she stopped in front of him.
"Professor Patterson!" Zelda's voice was bright. Eager. "I'm so glad I caught you."
Dr. Patterson looked up from his phone. His expression was polite but confused. "Can I help you?"
"My name is Zelda Romano." She extended her hand. Her grip was firm and professional. "I'm a freshman in your Organic Chemistry course. I've been following your research for years."
Dr. Patterson shook her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Zelda."
"I know you're meeting with someone." Zelda glanced briefly at Scarlett approaching in the distance. "But I was hoping I could have just a moment of your time."
She pulled a folder from her bag. The papers inside were printed and bound professionally.
"I've been working on some research." Zelda opened the folder. "Genetic-based drug development. I've already published one paper and I'm working on a second."
Dr. Patterson's eyebrows went up. He took the folder and started flipping through it.
"The Romano family has been in the pharmaceutical business for generations." Zelda's voice had that practiced quality. Like she'd rehearsed this speech. "But I want to go further than they did. I want to crack problems they haven't been able to solve."
Dr. Patterson was reading now. His expression shifted from polite interest to genuine attention.
"This is impressive work." He looked up at her. "Very impressive for an undergraduate."
Zelda's face lit up. "Thank you, Professor. That means everything coming from you."
"I've been studying your published research." She continued. "Your approach to pharmaceutical synthesis aligns perfectly with my own interests. I would be honored if you'd consider taking me on as a mentee."
Scarlett reached them just as Zelda finished speaking. She stood a few feet away. Waited.
Dr. Patterson was still looking at the papers. He nodded occasionally. Made small sounds of approval.
Then his expression changed. Something shifted behind his eyes.
"Wait a moment." He flipped back to an earlier page. "In lab class last week, didn't you say it was your first time doing beta-carotene extraction?"
Zelda's smile faltered. Just for a second. Then it came back stronger.
"I misspoke, Professor." Her voice was apologetic. "I was nervous and excited in class. I didn't hear your question clearly."