When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0618

Mason handed the invitation letter to Audrey. “Here, see for yourself.”

She took it with a puzzled expression. After reading it, she was momentarily stunned. “Madison really built a lab…”

“Our sweetie is every bit as capable as any son, and you’re still complaining about her? Hmph, I’m telling you, you’d better not say things like that in front of her. No, not even behind her back. Do you understand?

Audrey pursed her lips.

“I’m talking to you!” Mason insisted.

“Alright, alright! She’s your precious daughter, so no one can say a word against her!”

Only then did he nod with satisfaction. “I’m glad you understood.”

Audrey didn’t respond.

That afternoon, they packed their bags and headed for the airport. As they passed the town entrance, someone called out to them, “Mr. Hill, are you going off to fish at sea again?”

“I’m not going fishing this time. We’re going to Elgerson City.”

“Oh, heading all the way out there? What for?”

“To see my daughter.”

“What’s up with her?”

Mason replied proudly. “She’s doing something big!”

“Huh?”

Meanwhile, the college administration and faculty department received invitations as well.

“The students of the Faculty of Bioinformatics are having an opening ceremony for an independent lab they built themselves?” The chancellor, Hendrix Taylor, looked bewildered as he directed the question at Jackson.

After a brief pause, Jackson replied, “Uh. I’ve only just heard about this as well. There hadn’t been any reports from the Faculty of Bioinformatics.”

“This Miranda Sutton… Isn’t she the first year graduate student who recently got published in the Science journal?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

“She built a lab on her own?” Hendrix found this situation rather unconventional.

Jackson wiped his forehead as he thought of an explanation. “I suspect this was led by the students. They’re just messing around; it won’t make much of an impact…”

Chapter 0618

+25 BONUS

“Christine even sent an invitation to the administration on her students‘ behalf, and you still think that. they’re messing around?”

It wasn’t without reason that Hendrix became the college’s chancellor. He was known for having a broad perspective and unparalleled foresight.

Jackson disagreed, “Surely, it can’t be. A lab isn’t something just anyone can build.”

Hendrix explained, “As the college administration, we should be asking why students like Miranda would choose to set up an independent lab outside the campus when the college already provides them with laboratory facilities for free.

“What was their reason for doing this? Who else was involved in this matter, or was academic conflict present in this situation?”

“So… what are you suggesting?” Jackson asked.

Hendrix turned the invitation over in his hand several times. After some hesitation, he said, “Since they’ve sent us an invitation, we ought to go check it out.”

He wanted to see how competent the postgraduate students from Bedford College were and what waves. they were capable of making!

Meanwhile, in the faculty office, the dean, Oliver Sinclair, tossed the invitation onto Joseph’s desk.

“Take a look. This is the mess you’ve made!” he shouted. “The college administration received one as well. Whether or not Miranda’s lab is completed, the sheer commotion they’ve caused is enough to stir questions from the higher–ups!”

With that, he turned and left with his hands behind his back.

Joseph shuddered in fear. How did Miranda and her group dare to spread this news to the chancellor? Where did they get such nerve?

Building a lab? What nonsense!

This whole debacle was clearly all for show. They were deliberately trying to stir up a fuss to catch the attention of the college administration. Then, the administration would place pressure on the faculty and put him in a difficult position.

A clever move, indeed!

His assistant, William, glanced at the contents of the invitation. “The opening ceremony is tomorrow. Mr. Banks, what shall we do?”

Joseph’s face remained expressionless. After a long silence, he finally said, “Get Sophie over here.”

William acted quickly. Within ten minutes, Sophie opened the door and walked in.

“Why are you looking for me?” Sophie stood in front of Joseph’s desk with her arms crossed, looking down her nose at him.

Joseph didn’t say a word. He only gestured for her to take a seat.

Sophie frowned. “There’s no need to sit. I’m very busy in the lab, so whatever it is, make it quick.”