Second Chances Protecting Mrs. Hall

Chapter 26

The annual welcome party for freshmen at Vark College was always a grand affair, and this year, it was taking place on a luxurious cruise ship.

As several girls in evening gowns climbed aboard the cruise, they chatted animatedly, “I heard there’s going to be a ton of delicious food tonight. Even the cakes are made by a Michelin–starred chef! Wow, the college is really going all out this time!”

“All you think about is food. I heard this year’s welcome party is different from the usual!” another girl chimed in.

“Oh? What’s so different?”

“This year’s gala is combined with competitions from many schools, including the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination!”

“Holy cow! Isn’t that the biggest annual event in Vark College? The participants are all top–tier geniuses!”

“Exactly. Rumor has it that the first prize winner of this year’s competition will receive a 400 thousand dollars scholarship fund from the college’s investors for studying abroad!”

Emma was here today to participate in this competition because she knew the person she was looking for would be there, too. At this moment, she stood in the middle of the luxurious cruise ship’s banquet hall, holding a glass of juice.

She juggled conversations with those approaching her, her eyes wandering through the crowd. Suddenly, she spotted her target. “I’ve found him,” Emma whispered into the invisible microphone by her ear.

A voice crackled in her earpiece. “Boss, I got the info you wanted. Vere’s parents passed away last week, and their house was mortgaged. He’s in a do–or–die situation, aiming for that scholarship to further his studies.”

Hearing this, Emma pursed her crimson lips.

In her previous life, Vere was the student with the smartest genius at Vark College and also the record holder in the school’s history. However, when he was 18, his parents tragically passed away in a plane crash. Once from a decent family, he suddenly lost the chance to study abroad. Despite participating in this competition in his past life, aiming for a scholarship, he was defeated due to excessive grief over his parents‘ death and malicious interference from competitors.

Emma was in dire need of a talent like Vere, and she couldn’t stand to see a genius go to waste, so she approached him with a drink in hand.

In the corner, Vere hunched over, staring at his phone. Dressed in a suit and tie, he wasn’t too fond of such an event. His amber eyes were glued to the phone screen, which displayed an intricate financial analysis model.

“Hey, are you joining the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination later?” The sudden voice of a young girl caused Vere to look up.

Upon seeing Emma’s face, Vere instantly turned cold. “If you’re here to warn me because you’re afraid I’ll snatch your first place, you can

scram now.”

just got her half–sister locked up behind bars and took down Ruby Cruz. It was easily

Vere. “I’m here just to let you know that I’ll be participating in the upcoming competition, too. So, you better bring your A–game, buddy. I’m

with a smirk. In all his years at Vark College, not a single soul had ever bested him. ‘Does she really think she can get me to bring my

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12:57 Fri, 5 Jul

Chapter 26

festivities kicked off one by one. Among them, the most anticipated event was the

compete in this year’s Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination, right?” Backstage

of the competitors were freaking out. “Oh my gosh! Vere Hurlbutt! He’s totally gonna snag first place. We’re all just cannon fodder,

just fighting for the spots

I get any ranking, they’ll buy me a car! I just have to snag a spot this

one

Emma. Her eyes widened in shock as if she’d seen an alien. “Isn’t

Individuals like Emma, who

the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination? Those are the toughest advanced math problems out there. Is she here to cause trouble or just mess things up?” the blonde girl taunted Emma directly. “Emma, this isn’t a sports field where you can

her hair, and didn’t even

instantly became furious.

the blonde girl with a cold face. “Sorry, I already signed up for it, and you won’t even get the lowest ranking. Get lost!” Her imposing aura made a

did everyone start to fume.

can compare with us just because she scored over 1500 on the SAT! The math problems in the Vark Invitational

her in the test

needs to be

the contestants

Emma on the list, they were also