Chapter 76

"Are you talking about Grace Miller?!" Gianna stood up, unable to contain her disbelief.

A cold wave of shock rolled through her. The very idea seemed absurd, like someone had decided to play a cruel joke. Grace, of all people?

Gianna's loud reaction caught Terry's attention. He glanced her way, only to realize Grace was seated quietly beside her.

Unfazed and composed, Grace sat with the same serene confidence she always carried. Despite his age, Terry found himself admiring her poise and self-assurance.

"Yes, that's right-Grace Miller," Terry assured, his tone unwavering. "If anyone's uncertain, my assistant will upload her published article to your school's forum.Feel free to check for yourself." The certainty in his words suggested he had no doubt that even the faculty would recognize the strength of Grace's work.

"Prof. Warren, there has to be a misunderstanding,"Gianna said, her voice tinged with desperation."Grace only came here after my uncle adopted her from some small-town orphanage. She hasn't even studied here for a full year." The thought that Grace could outperform her felt utterly impossible.Someone like Grace shouldn't have access to high-level resources, Gianna insisted inwardly. Surely the papers had been switched-maybe her own work was credited to Grace by mistake.

Picking up on Gianna's not-so-subtle accusation,Terry's assistant cut in, his response sharp and unflinching. "There's no mistake at all. The article belongs to Grace Miller. Do you honestly believe Professor Warren and I could mix up something so important? Both your paper and Grace Miller's will be posted for everyone to see. The truth will speak for itself."

For someone who had once been at the top of the class and had become Terry's protégé, the assistant's confidence in Grace's work carried considerable weight.

Still, Gianna refused to let go of her doubt, herlips parting to launch another protest, only for Terry to speak over her. "Actually, there's another reason for my visit," he announced, his tone shifting the mood in the room. "I'm searching for an exceptional student to join my team in the future. If they agree to my terms, I can guarantee direct admission to Summit University-completely tuition-free."

That announcement rippled through the classroom,igniting a surge of whispers and excitement. Rumors about Terry's visit had circulated for days, but hearing the offer firsthand sent a charge through the air.

Most students buzzed with the hope that the coveted spot might be theirs, though everyone expected Gianna would be chosen.

Gianna's eyes lit up with hope and expectation as she looked to Terry, longing for confirmation.

Not a single glance came her way. Terry's silence grew heavier by the second, slowly eroding her certainty. Gianna remembered introducing herself,convinced she'd made an impression-so why was she being overlooked now?

Before long, Terry put an end to any lingering confusion. "To be clear, I've already chosen who'll receive this opportunity. Grace Miller is my pick."

That blunt revelation left Gianna speechless. Ellie,equally thrown, struggled to understand how everything had turned upside down. Why Grace, of all people?

Ellie, finally regaining her composure, sprang to her feet. She pointed to Gianna first. "Prof. Warren, are you positive there's no mix-up? This is Gianna White..."

Her hand shifted toward Grace. "And that's Grace Miller."

Surely Terry had made an error; nothing else made sense.

A hint of irritation crept into Terry's reply. "I know exactly who's who. My eyes work just fine. One of them stands out for her looks, and I'd never confuse the two... not for beauty, and certainly not for brains."

Grace's reputation for beauty was hardly a secret;Terry's words left no doubt who was the one stood out.

Gianna's face burned, mortified by the public dismissal.

As if that weren't enough, Terry continued, "Besides,Grace Miller was once my mentor. It's not just about who I want; it's whether she's willing to accept the offer."

What in the world?! Was this some kind of twisted joke? Grace had actually been Terry's mentor once?!

It hit with the same jolt as being told pigs had sprouted wings and taken to the skies.

Grace had done her best to slip beneath the radar,keeping her head down and her steps quiet. Still, no matter how carefully she moved, it was impossible to stay unnoticed.

She pressed her fingers to her forehead and let out a long sigh, wishing for invisibility.

A soft complaint slipped from her lips. "Would it kill you to keep that quiet?"

"When people start doubting you, Grace, someone's got to set them straight. I wasn't about to let them keep questioning your talent." Terry offered a crooked smile, completely unapologetic.