Magic 128

128 

Valerie had little interest in such competitions. “Give the opportunity to someone else.” 

“You’re not interested?” Owen wasn’t surprised by her answer. 

“I’ve been busy with experiments lately, so I don’t have time for that kind of thing.” 

“Alright, I’ll tell them you’re out. Honestly, I wasn’t that interested in it, since it’s tied to the Guldner family.” 

Valerie suddenly looked up from her food. “Tied to who?” 

Owen blinked. “The Guldner family.” 

“Which Guldner family?” 

“The one that’s one of the Big Three families of Windmere, along with the Foster family. They’ve recently been getting into the smart tech sector and are planning to develop a metaverse project. 

“On the surface, this so–called competition is just a university innovation contest. But in reality, they’re using it to scout talent. I heard the first prize winner will not only get extra credit from the university but also full investment from Guldner Group. 

“Of course, 

I don’t need that kind of funding, but I was pushed into it as a representative since I’m the student council president. 

“I don’t know what Mr. Sears is thinking, but Mr. Jones is clearly betting everything on Sonia.” 

Then, he asked suspiciously, “Why the sudden interest?” 

Valerie snapped back from her thoughts. “I just realized that extra credit’s pretty rare. It’d be a waste not to join such a competition. Owen, could you help me sign up?” 

Owen was stunned. “You care about a few bonus points from the university?” 

Valerie smiled. “I had to score full marks for everything, even in high school. I can’t afford to miss out on any points.” 

Owen was at a loss for words. 

He guessed that Valerie was just a classic overachiever. 

After lunch, Valerie decided to return to the lab and continue her experiments. 

She had no idea that Skyler was frantically trying to track her down at this very moment. 

X CLOSE 

She drove her SUV straight to Serenity Residence and hadn’t gotten out of the car when she saw several vehicles parked by the gate. 

Under Skyler’s orders, seven or eight burly young men held tools and were about to smash the plaque that hung above the entrance. 

The plaque had been commissioned by Valerie, and the name Serenity Residence had been chosen based on the property’s layout. 

Just as the men were about to charge toward the gate and the plaque, Valerie honked at them. 

When she stepped out, Skyler rushed toward her. “You little wretch. Did you block my number? 

He was nearly shaking with rage. 

Not only had she taken his property and his money, but she had even blocked him. She had no respect at all for him as her father. 

Valerie calmly locked her car and jerked her chin toward the men. “And what exactly are these men planning to do to my property?” 

Skyler fumed. “What else? They’re going to smash the door and tear down the plaque!” 

Valerie pulled up her phone’s camera and gestured politely. “Go ahead. I’d like to record this wonderful performance for evidence, just in case the police need clarification later.” 

Skyler nearly choked from fury. 

He waved his hand angrily, signaling the men to stand down. Only after they left did he suppress his temper enough to say, “Sit down. Let’s talk.” 

Valerie replied coolly, “If you’re here to talk about this property, there’s nothing for us to discuss.” 

Skyler’s eyes narrowed. “You already knew the secret behind this place, didn’t you?” 

712 

Chapter 129