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!

holder slammed against the wall opposite, its contents scattering across

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

nudge him for me?" Edna's face was stone-cold: "You think a research paper is

dumbfounded by

"Auntie..."

it! How many times have I told

else here..."

up once, and we're both

hadn't realized the gravity of the situation. "Sorry, Aunt- I mean, Ms.

yourself! Roseanne and the others managed to get their own equipment; is it that hard to produce

or two for you, but can he write them for you forever? The

write if I could, but I... I just can't!" Sybil's lower lip trembled, on the verge of

for your tears here! If Roseanne 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

the office, she was completely

why her usually kind aunt had suddenly

Edna's

Knock, knock, knock-

"Come in."

entered, saying, "Ms. Edna, here's the progress report for this past