Coincidences
Wendy nodded vigorously.
Armed with the newly acquired knowledge of Susanne’s past, Wendy became secure in the fact that
she was merely a victim of Susanne’s opportunistic proclivities.
As long as I earn a spot in Maxwell University, I will still stand a chance!
“I know, Mom.” Wendy gritted her teeth in determination. “I won’t take this to heart. In fact, I’ll begin
working hard for a spot in Maxwell University as soon as we get back.”
Cecilia smiled and stroked the tip of Wendy’s nose. “That’s my girl. Let’s get back in. I’ll have a talk with
Susanne and remind her that the expansion of her son’s business into Horington depends on currying
our favor. I’m sure she will reconsider keeping up this hostile behavior when she realizes what’s at
stake.”
Wendy nodded again as she strode back into the auditorium by her mother’s side. A great weight lifted
off her shoulders.
Back at the very front of the auditorium, Donovan stared at the three solutions in disbelief. His fists
shook with anger as he felt fear that he could not explain coursing through his heart.
Arielle actually solved it with a third method.
That fact alone rendered him thunderstruck. Most surprisingly of all, the method which Arielle had
employed was, according to Noah, the usual way which San would use.
Solving a further mathematics question with formulas from elementary mathematics… That’s San’s
style in solving mathematical problems. Why is Arielle using this method too?
Suddenly, Donovan recalled that she had in fact employed this method during one of the first tests of
the semester.
Back then, it was due to Arielle’s problem-solving method that he decided to select that as the area of
research for his thesis.
It might have been a coincidence the first time. What about now? Is this another coincidence? Was it
possible for there to be so many coincidences in the world?
Donovan’s forehead was beaded with sweat as he stood quivering on the spot.
“Mr. Baxter.”
Marcus, who had suddenly ascended the stage, called out, interrupting Donovan’s reverie.
“Mr. Brown,” Donovan responded as he turned reluctantly away from the blackboard.
“I am sure that this demonstration would suffice to prove Arielle’s innocence, wouldn’t it?”
Donovan gritted his teeth and nodded resignedly. “Yes, I suppose it would.”
The monthly tests would not even serve as a challenge to Arielle if she is able to solve such a difficult
problem with such finesse.
Marcus then announced, “With that being said, I think it’s time for you to fulfill your end of the bargain,
Mr. Baxter. The matter has been dragged on long enough.”
Donovan clenched his jaw as he stared at Arielle, who received a napkin from Arthur to wipe the chalk
off her hands with a mild and indifferent expression on her face as she did so.
It’s like she doesn’t even care if the situation glorifies her or humiliates her. Come to think of it, this is
how she has reacted to everything. Like she doesn’t give a damn.
It was this seemingly haughty expression of hers that had most incurred the ire of Donovan. Whenever
he found himself face-to-face with her, he felt deeply insecure about his own abilities or even his worth
as a human being.
“Mr. Baxter?” Marcus repeated after Donovan’s prolonged silence. “You owe Arielle an apology.”
Donovan froze as he cast an anxious gaze toward the crowd who had erupted in a smattering of
chatter.
Every student in the auditorium was praising Arielle for her mathematical prowess. As their excitement
grew, he felt more of his dignity slipping away.
Arielle, on the other hand, did not seem interested in what was running through Donovan’s mind. After
returning the napkin to Arthur with a word of thanks, she turned toward Marcus. “If there isn’t anything
else, I’ll be heading back to my seat.”
“Hold on a minute.” Marcus stepped forward to block Arielle in her path. “We have an unresolved
business to attend to.”
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