Magic 145

Chapter 145 

Owen grinned brightly. “You saved Darrell’s life, and helping you out is the least I can do.” 

“How’s Darrell been doing lately?” Valerie asked. 

“Recovering well and discharged a few days ago. Oh, and which direction are you planning to take for this tech challenge?” 

Instead of hiding her ideas from him, she said, “I built a small robot a couple of years ago, and I’m planning to expand on that design.” 

He nodded. “Plenty of people are focusing on robotics for this challenge. I heard Sonia’s concept is 

robot–related, too.‘ 

“What about you?” she asked. 

“I’m working on a robotic arm designed to help patients with disabilities.” 

“In that case, let me wish you prior success,” Valerie said, patting his shoulder. 

After class, she took the form and knocked on Renton’s office. He looked over the document she handed, and instead of stamping it immediately, he said, “I don’t think this challenge suits you, 

Valerie.” 

His statement caught her off guard. “May I ask why?” 

He pushed the form back across the desk and said, “You may have been admitted to Arcton University with a perfect score, but you didn’t show up for a single day of class last year. 

“I don’t know what kind of relationship you have with Mr. Sears. He may bend rules for personal 

reasons, but I won’t.” 

He made no effort to hide his disgust for Valerie and continued, “In my view, a student who disregards school rules has no right to represent the school in an official event.” 

Valerie calmly retorted, “Mr. Jones, if I remember correctly, you were hospitalized for six months after a car crash the year I got accepted.” 

Renton frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?” 

She smiled and replied, “If you could stay in the hospital for six months because of a car crash, why can’t I take a year off due to health reasons? 

“When I requested leave, I submitted all the required medical documents. Multiple hospitals confirmed that my condition made me unfit to attend classes. Mr. Sears and the board reviewed it in a meeting before approving my leave for a year.” 

Renton’s expression flickered. 

In truth, his dislike for Valerie had little to do with her absence from school for a year. What really 

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mattered was how openly Philip had praised her in front of the entire school board, again and again. Everyone had their biases, and Renton was no exception. Before this year’s admission, he’d strongly recommended Sonia to the school. But after reviewing her materials, Philip had dismissed her with just three words–not worth nurturing. 

Having his carefully chosen candidate resolutely rejected by Philip left Renton resentful, so he redirected that resentment toward Valerie. 

The more Philip praised her, the more Renton wanted to crush her confidence. 

Valerie slid the form back toward Renton. “Whatever grievances you have with Mr. Sears are none of my business. Please don’t take them out on me, Mr. Jones.” 

Having been seen through by Valerie left him visibly embarrassed. After forcefully stamping the form, he snapped, “I bet you won’t be the one taking the first place.” 

She collected the stamped form and replied with a light smile, “We’ll see.” 

Just as she stepped out of the vice dean’s office, she received a call from Everett, who asked, “Have you gotten into trouble lately, Val?” 

“Why do you ask?” She blinked. 

Trouble seemed to follow her everywhere these days, but she hadn’t bothered to keep count of who she’d provoked. 

Chapter 145 

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Chapter 146