Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 798

"Aunt Edna?" Sybil asked, puzzled.

"You dragged him into this mess, then decided to erase his name at the end. How do you think Arkle feels about that?" Edna questioned, sipping her coffee.

"Who cares how he feels? You think I'm afraid of some country bumpkin?" Sybil replied, lifting her chin defiantly.

"It's not about being afraid. Sure, he's just a small-town guy, but what if he gets upset when he sees everyone else getting awards and he gets nothing? What if he figures out there's something shady going on and decides to expose everything? What then?" Edna warned, setting her cup down.

"He wouldn't dare! That fool wouldn't notice a thing. You could sell him off, and he'd still help you count the money," Sybil scoffed.

Edna wasn't convinced. "Don't forget, Arkle has got Carlson backing him up."

Sybil rolled her eyes. "Ugh, don't get me started on Carlson. You know, Aunt Edna, he's taken up a job off-campus. He's out all hours, like he's got no responsibilities as a student."

"Last week, when I asked him to get on with two papers, he had the nerve to hang up on me! He's getting bold, doesn't even respect you as his advisor," Sybil

added, her voice dripping with disdain.

Edna's expression darkened slightly.

Sybil pushed further. "And get this, I've heard Carlson is pretty

told you that?"

need anyone to tell you. Just look at him! If they weren't close,

did you say?! Carlson got an invitation?" Edna exclaimed, her

Sybil feigned surprise. "It's all

"That Carlson!"

a hint of satisfaction

reacted

somewhere, crying his eyes out," Sybil replied

Just be careful not to leave any loose ends," Edna

Aunt Edna. He wouldn't dare," Sybil

said, lifting her gaze, "I can't always be there to back you

should be producing research, getting those papers out. The more, the better. Only then can I help you secure

felt a bit uncertain

to get you

eyes watching, so not a single mistake can be made," Edna continued. "Carlson is