Chapter 483
This whole public debacle-ironically enough-catapulted Elodie into the academic spotlight.
She understood exactly what Alexander meant. The more she thought about it, the more she realized he was right: what happened today had unexpectedly handed her a stepping stone.
Alexander let out a soft sigh. “You know, in our field-science, research, academia-no matter how brilliant someone is, most of us will never be known by the wider world. Names, reputations, even our greatest achievements-they usually pass unnoticed by the public. Most researchers live in quiet obscurity, their medals invisible to all but a handful. But today, you’re the exception, Elodie. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. In a way, you ought to thank Mr. Mercer for his…’foolishness.””
After all, the general public rarely pays attention to this kind of thing. Few scientists ever become household names or enjoy any real attention; most simply toil away in silence.
But today, Elodie had faced harsh public questioning-then, in a dramatic turn, received a resounding endorsement from Professor Waldron. The whiplash of disgrace and vindication had made her the talk of the university. People would remember her name now; her place in the academic community was secure, and those who truly understood what happened would only grow to respect her more deeply.
Her abilities and credentials were plain for all to see. No one would dare question them again.
How could that not be a good thing?
Yet, Elodie felt a swirl of complicated emotions—she couldn’t quite put a name to what she was feeling.
As she stood lost in thought, the university president approached with several distinguished faculty members. He greeted her warmly. “Ms. Thorne, thank you so much for coming to speak with our students today. In a few moments, we’ll be taking a group photo-would you join us?”
Elodie agreed without hesitation.
Verdant University’s president was a figure of some political stature, and to have earned his recognition was an honor. The group photo, she knew, would mark a significant moment in her career.
“Of course,” she replied politely, her composure unshaken by pride or arrogance.
There would be a large group photo soon, and smaller ones for those who wanted them.
It was at that moment Sylvie caught sight of Elodie, surrounded by students and professors. Sylvie clenched her fists unconsciously, snapping out of her daze.
For a fleeting instant, it felt as if she’d never even been part of that inner circle.
But she wouldn’t just stand by and let things slip away. She hadn’t forgotten why she’d come today.
Now more than ever, she needed to get her research noticed by these influential people.
At that moment, Grady appeared beside her. “Ms. Fielding, would you like to meet some of the editors now?”
Sylvie gathered herself. Grady had valuable connections—she’d be a fool to turn him down, even if his earlier words had left her embarrassed. Whatever the past, business was business.
“Yes, let’s,” she replied.
Grady seemed relieved; he’d feared she might be angry with him, especially since he hadn’t managed to smooth things over for her today.
Together, they approached the editors whom Grady had spoken to earlier.
Sylvie’s expression was steady now; she was focused solely on her goal. She greeted them with careful courtesy. “Hello, would it be possible for us to discuss the promotion of my paper?”
The editor looked from Sylvie to Grady, then sighed. “Ms. Fielding, you know we have our protocols. Right now, Ms. Thorne’s paper is the talk of the field. All our resources and platforms will be devoted to her work first-we need to clear the schedule for her publicity period. If your timeline isn’t urgent, we could revisit this once Ms. Thorne’s campaign wraps up. Would you be willing to wait?”
Sylvie’s expression changed abruptly.
She… needed to yield to Elodie again?
Even though Elodie hadn’t even asked for their support, they were eager to give it
to her?
Grady couldn’t hide his frustration. “That’s not what we agreed on, is it?”
The editor looked at him
sympathetically. “Grady, you and I go back a few years. But you know as well as do—this field is fiercely competitive, and opportunities are scarce. You want to help Ms. Fielding, but she has to be able to outshine Ms. Thorne in terms of quality. Ms. Fielding is excellent-there’s no question-but unfortunately, her rival is a prodigy like Ms. Thorne.”