Chapter 382

The pair arrived at the research facility's entrance. Katherine gestured toward a door on the far right side of the second floor.

"He should be there. Let's move!"

Evelyn followed closely behind. The laboratory door stood slightly ajar. Katherine knocked firmly. "Professor Whitaker? Are you available?"

Silence greeted them.

Pushing the door open, they walked down the dimly lit corridor until reaching its end.

Evelyn's breath caught. A silver-haired man in a white lab coat stood hunched over experiments. His gloved hands precisely pipetted glowing liquid into a glass flask, creating an ethereal blue luminescence.

Edmund paused, recording data with a satisfied smile. Removing his safety goggles, he stepped out of the containment area.

"Katherine! You're interrupting critical work."

But his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"We've made a breakthrough. The new research paper can finally proceed."

His gaze shifted to Evelyn. "And who might this be?"

Evelyn stepped forward confidently. "Professor Whitaker, I'm Evelyn Carter. Former design student from your 2019 cohort."

Recognition flickered across Edmund's face.

"Which year specifically?"

"Class of 2019."

Edmund's expression cleared. "Ah yes, both 2018 and 2019 were exceptional groups. Especially Juliette - graduated a year ahead of you. She's achieved international acclaim now."

Evelyn hadn't expected Juliette's name to surface so quickly. This coincidence emboldened her.

"Professor, may I ask about Juliette?"

Edmund peeled off his gloves, studying her with sudden wariness.

After sipping his water, he spoke slowly. "That girl... came from tragic circumstances. Lost both parents in a horrific accident."

"Dropped out during treatment. But against all odds, she rebuilt her life. Her success brings me immense pride."

Evelyn's pulse quickened. "Are you saying she never actually graduated?"

"Correct. Yet her talent was undeniable. Won the gold at Belron Design Awards during sophomore year - our prestigious inter-school competition."

Evelyn's world tilted.

"The Belron Awards from my freshman year? Juliette won gold?"

Edmund nodded firmly. "Precisely! Shortly after, the accident occurred and she withdrew."

Evelyn's voice dropped to a whisper. "That's impossible... Professor..."

Her hands trembled as she continued. "I won that competition. The trophy and certificate still sit in my parents' home!"

Edmund's bushy eyebrows knitted together.

Adjusting his glasses, his demeanor turned stern.

"Young lady, you must be mistaken."

Evelyn nearly laughed at the absurdity. How could anyone misremember their greatest achievement?

"Professor, with all respect - are you certain Juliette was the winner?"

Edmund's face darkened with offense.

"Child, we documented everything. Videos. Photographs. Shall I retrieve the archives to prove it?"