Chapter 77 Golden
The air on campus felt different the morning after Leo’s surgery. The sun was shining, but I felt like I was walking through a thick fog. Everywhere I looked, I saw faces I knew, but they all wore the same expression: pity.
"Elena! I am so, so sorry about Leo," a girl from my biology class whispered as I walked toward the medical building.
"I heard he might never skate again," another student murmured, not even trying to hide his curiosity as I hurried past.
I kept my head down, my backpack straps digging into my shoulders. I was tired of the apologies. I was tired of the whispers. To them, my brother’s life was just the biggest gossip of the week. I didn't want their sympathy; I wanted to be at the hospital, sitting in that quiet room with Leo.
I reached Dr. Aris’s office and knocked, hoping for a distraction. He opened the door immediately, a rare, genuine smile on his face.
"Elena! Come in, come in," he said, waving me to a chair. "I have news. I finally finished reviewing the presentation you gave the day before the championship."
I braced myself. I thought he was going to tell me my theories were too risky, or that I had focused too much on non-business models. Instead, he slid a document across his desk.
"You got an A," he said. "And honestly, it was the easiest 'A' I’ve ever given. Your research on neuro-plasticity and recovery rates is the best work I’ve seen from an undergraduate in years."
I felt a genuine smile break through my exhaustion. "Really? Thank you, Doctor. I worked so hard on that."
"It gets better," he continued, leaning back in his chair. "The board of directors met this morning. They were so impressed by your findings that they want to keep the project going. They have approved a fully funded research position for you during the summer holiday. You’ll have full access to the labs, a budget for your own equipment, and a stipend. You’ll be the lead researcher."
I stood up, my heart racing. "Are you serious? A fully funded spot? That’s... that’s amazing."
"It’s what you deserve," he said. He started gathering some papers, then paused, his expression turning slightly thoughtful. "It’s a rare thing for the board to move this quickly, especially for a student. I suppose it helps when your father is the biggest donor to the university’s new medical wing. He made a few calls to ensure everything was ready for you."
My smile froze. I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. "My father? You mean... he did this?"
Dr. Aris nodded, oblivious to the way my heart had plummeted. "Yes, he’s been very active in supporting your career. It’s quite heartwarming to see, really. He told them he wanted you to have every resource available."
I mumbled a quick thank you and walked out of the office, feeling like I had just been slapped. I walked blindly down the hallway, my mind racing.
Why? My father hated the fact that I wanted to study medicine. He had spent my whole life trying to turn me into a socialite. And now, suddenly, he was handing me my dreams on a silver platter? It didn't make sense. Was this a bribe?
Was he trying to buy my forgiveness after what happened to Leo? Or was he just trying to keep me busy so I wouldn't have time to see Jaxson or worry about the Vipers?
I needed to talk to someone. I pulled out my phone and messaged Chloe. Ten minutes later, we were sitting in a quiet corner of the campus coffee shop, the smell of roasted beans helping to ground me.
"So, you got the grant?" Chloe asked, eyes wide. "That’s huge, El! That’s the dream!"
"It’s not a dream if it’s a leash," I whispered, stirring my coffee. "My dad made it happen. Why would he do that, Chloe? He doesn't want me to be a doctor. He wants me to be a Vance.'"
"Maybe he’s just feeling guilty because of Leo?" Chloe suggested.
"My father doesn't feel guilt," I said flatly. "He only feels investments. If he’s paying for my research, he expects a return. I just don't know what it is yet."
Chloe sighed and checked her watch. "Look, don't overthink it for now. You’re at the shop, you’re safe, and your brother is stable. Come to cheerleader practice with me. Just for an hour. You need to move your body."
I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts, so I followed her.
I left the gym, feeling more isolated than ever. I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Jaxson: I’m heading to the hospital now. I’ll see you later.
The drive to the hospital was filled with thoughts of my father’s gift. When I finally walked into the building, the halls felt colder than before. I made my way to the private wing, but as I turned the corner toward Leo’s room, I saw him.
My father was standing by the nurses' station, his back to me. He was wearing an impeccably tailored coat, his posture as rigid as ever.
I walked up to him, my heels clicking sharply on the floor. "I heard," I said, stopping a few feet away. "Dr. Aris told me. You funded my summer research."
My father turned slowly. His face was unreadable. "It’s a good program, Elena. It’s good for your future."
"Why now?" I asked, my voice trembling with frustration. "You’ve fought me on this for years. You told me medicine was a waste of time. Why would you suddenly use your influence to get me a grant?"
My father looked at me, his eyes as blank as a piece of paper. He didn't look like a man who had done a kind thing; he looked like a man who was answering a question about the weather.
"I have no idea what you are talking about," he said, his voice calm and smooth. "I don't follow your school schedule. If you received a grant, it is because of your own work. I have more important things to worry about than your student activities."
I stared at him, stunned. He was lying. I knew it, and he knew that I knew it. But he was going to feign total ignorance, acting as if he had no part in it, just to keep the upper hand. He was trying to act like a supportive father while keeping me in the dark about his real motives.
"You’re lying," I said, but he just turned his back to me and began walking toward the elevators.
"You should go see your brother, Elena," he said over his shoulder. "He’s been asking for you."
I watched him walk away, feeling a chill run down my spine.