Chapter 3

That night, sleep eluded me.

Ms. Rothschild's sanctimonious expression as she insisted she was "only doing it for my own good", Eugene's triumphant look after taking credit for my work, and Ms. Prescott's helpless expression as she struggled to find the right words played on a loop in my head.

In the end, I climbed out of bed, went to my study, and opened the email from Nebula Technology.

"Ms. Kensington, we've been following your research achievements closely. Nebula Technology is currently building an AI laboratory, and we urgently need a visionary like you to lead the way. Our doors are always open to you. All you have to do is say the word, and we'll expedite the hiring process."

Back then, I had gotten too used to taking things easy and didn't want to be tied down by the rules of a major corporation. Plus, out of consideration for Mom's friendship with Ms. Prescott, I'd never replied to the email.

But at this moment, it struck me that this institute had nothing left to offer me. I took a deep breath and clacked away on my keyboard.

"I apologize for the delayed response, Mr. Smith. May I ask if the opportunity you mentioned in your previous email is still available?"

As soon as I hit send, my mind wandered. So much time had passed. I wondered if the offer had already passed me by.

Less than a minute later, the crisp chime of a new-email notification rang out. For a second, I thought I was hearing things.

I clicked open the email and saw Mr. Smith's concise reply. "Yes, our assessment hasn't changed. We've kept the position open for you. If you're available, we can move forward with the next steps right away. We're looking forward to having you on the team!"

I leaned back in my chair and breathed a sigh of relief. The massive boulder that had been weighing on my chest felt as if it was lifted off in a split second.

I didn't write back right away. However, deep down, my mind was already made up.

…

The following day, when I returned to the institute, the atmosphere felt strangely tense.

I ran into Ms. Prescott in the hallway, and she looked at me with concern. "Please don't take what happened yesterday to heart, Valerie. I've already had a word with Sienna. I'll find another way to sort this out."

I smiled at her. "I'm fine, Ms. Prescott."

When I turned and walked away, I could feel her eyes lingering on my back.

Later on, I learned that Ms. Prescott had gone to see Ms. Rothschild again that morning. This time, her tone was even more forceful than the day before.

"This is the last time I'm going to tell you this, Regina. Stay out of Valerie's business! I personally approved her flexible attendance, and I'll take full responsibility if anything goes wrong!"

The outcome was way too predictable.

Ms. Rothschild slammed her fist on the table right then and there. "Regina, you're bending the rules to do someone a personal favor! If everyone becomes as lax and undisciplined as Valerie, how are we supposed to get any work done? The rules apply to everyone. They're not there to give her a free pass!"

Once again, the two of them parted on bad terms.

…

That afternoon, perhaps because she couldn't get it off her chest, Ms. Rothschild deliberately paced back and forth through the bullpen.

While walking, she raised her voice and said sarcastically, "Certain people think they're hot stuff just because they have a little technical skill. They're young, and they make six figures a year, yet that's still not good enough for them. Do they really think they can reach the stars overnight?

"Let me tell you, the world is full of people who think they're better than everyone else!"

My hand stilled on my mouse for a split second before I continued dragging through the code on my screen as if nothing had happened.

Six figures a year? She probably thought an unkempt tech nerd like me should be grateful just to be paid that much.

That evening, I called Mom and Dad and told them the whole story.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Mom said solemnly, "Valerie, when I suggested you join the research institute, it was partly because of my friendship with Regina, but I also knew how much you valued your freedom.

"But if you feel like there's no room for you to grow there anymore, then do what you think is right. I'll always support you."

Dad chimed in, "Don't settle for less, sweetheart. I know you'll shine wherever you go."

After hanging up, I felt a lump in my throat. The last of my hesitation vanished into thin air.

I booted up my laptop and replied to Mr. Smith's email. "I accept the offer, Mr. Smith. Please let me know how I should proceed with the next steps."