Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Who are you thinking of?" Edna pressed on, her curiosity piqued.

Babur gave a sarcastic chuckle, "Don't bother asking. It's someone way out of your league."

Even when dealing with his own, Corley would beat around the bush, but that person barged in questioning everything...

It's just how the academic world rolls. A titan's presence is unmistakable.

Kingswell University might handle losing a businessman's financial backing, but it couldn't dream of parting ways with a scientist whose work leads to groundbreaking discoveries!

"Get lost," Babur sneered, "A skinny camel still beats a horse, and you- you're nowhere close to Madeleine!"

Even with Madeleine laid up in the hospital, she still had the clout to make two big shots intervene.

And you, Edna? You're nothing!

...

Back in her office, Edna's mind echoed with Babur's words: You're nowhere close to Madeleine!

Nowhere close...

Close...

She was so mad she wanted to smash something, but the mug was already shattered.

found a pen holder

Crash!

the wall opposite, its contents scattering across

atmosphere. She cheerily called out, "Auntie," before heading to the break area to pour herself

Oh, Auntie, when will Carlson finish that paper? The professor was asking in class today, and I said sometime this week. Can you nudge him for

was dumbfounded by the

"Auntie..."

times have I told you, it's Ms. Edna

there's no one else here..."

ears, got it?! Slip up once, and we're

the gravity of the situation. "Sorry, Aunt- I mean, Ms. Edna! I'll be careful next time! It's just that

the paper? If you're so capable, write it yourself! Roseanne and the others managed to get their own equipment; is it that hard

write one or two for you, but can he write them for you forever? The moment he makes it big, do you think he'll

the verge of tears. The bluff was called, and the façade was set; there was

and the others can pull it off why can't you? I get it now; you were never really into academia! Always aiming high but falling short in every aspect, how did I

office,

didn't understand what she did wrong or why her usually kind aunt had suddenly turned into

Edna's

Knock, knock, knock-

"Come in."

saying, "Ms. Edna, here's the