Chapter 26

The annual Vark College freshmen welcome party, a lavish affair, was held this year on a luxurious cruise ship. Several girls in evening gowns, chatting animatedly as they boarded, discussed the event. "I heard there's going to be tons of delicious food," one exclaimed. "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," another girl chided. "I heard this year's welcome party is different from usual!"

"Oh? What's so different?"

"It's combined with the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination, a competition between several schools!"

"Holy cow! Isn't that Vark College's biggest annual event? The participants are all top-tier geniuses!"

"Exactly. Rumor has it the first-prize winner gets a $400,000 scholarship for studying abroad, funded by college investors!"

Emma, present to participate in the competition, sought a specific individual. Standing in the banquet hall, a glass of juice in hand, she navigated conversations, her eyes scanning the crowd. Spotting her target, she whispered into her earpiece, "I've found him."

A voice crackled in response. "Boss, I have the information. Vere's parents passed away last week; their house was mortgaged. He's in a desperate situation, needing that scholarship to continue his studies."

Emma pursed her crimson lips. In her previous life, Vere was Vark College's most brilliant student, a record holder. However, at eighteen, his parents died in a plane crash. His once-promising future, including a potential scholarship, was shattered by grief and malicious competition. Needing Vere's talent and unwilling to see his potential wasted, Emma approached him.

Vere sat hunched in a corner, studying his phone. Dressed in a suit, he appeared ill at ease. His amber eyes were fixed on a complex financial model displayed on his screen.

"Hey, are you participating in the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination?" Vere looked up, startled by the young woman's voice.

Recognizing Emma, his expression hardened. "If you're here to warn me because you're afraid I'll take first place, you can leave now." Emma's recent actions—having her half-sister imprisoned and taking down Ruby Cruz—had created a somewhat dubious reputation.

"Humph, if I wanted first place, I'd win fairly, not with underhanded tactics," Emma retorted, her gaze steady. "I'm here to let you know I'll be competing. So, bring your A-game, buddy. I'm pretty good." With a graceful laugh, she departed.

"What a narcissist!" Vere muttered, a smirk playing on his lips as he returned to his phone. No one at Vark College had ever surpassed him. Does she really think she can challenge me? he scoffed.

After the welcome ceremony, the evening's events commenced. The highlight: the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination.

Backstage, contestants buzzed. "Hey, you know Vere Hurlbutt's competing, right?"

The name sent shivers down several competitors' spines. "Oh my gosh! He's totally going to win. We're all just cannon fodder, aren't we?"

"Yeah, we're just fighting for the scraps—second, third, fourth…"

A blonde girl chimed in, "My parents promised me a car if I place! I just need to secure a spot."

"Wow, you're loaded!" another girl exclaimed enviously.

The blonde smirked, then spotted Emma, her eyes widening in shock. "Isn't that Emma? What's she doing here?" Emma's sudden, unprepared entry into the competition was unprecedented.

"An average student in the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination? These are the toughest advanced math problems! Is she here to cause trouble?" the blonde girl sneered. "Emma, this isn't a brawl. I suggest you quit. We're all international math award winners. You'll suffer if you can't solve a single problem!"

Emma calmly retrieved a mirror, adjusted her hair, ignoring the blonde girl.

The blonde's anger flared. "We're talking to you! Are you deaf?"

Emma stowed the mirror, her gaze cold. "Sorry, I'm participating, and you won't even get last place. Get lost!" Her imposing presence startled several girls.

After Emma's departure, the whispers resumed. "Damn, how can she be so shameless!"

"Don't think her 1500 SAT score means anything here! The Vark Invitational problems are on a completely different level!" another added.

"Exactly! Let's crush her and make her finish dead last!"

"She needs a lesson!"

The announcement sounded, and contestants entered the competition venue. Emma's presence surprised her classmates.

"Hey, isn't that Emma?"

"Is she really participating?"

"Is she messing around?"

Ignoring the chatter, Emma took her seat. Across from her sat Vere. She was elegantly dressed, her hair in a high bun. "Hey, Mr. Hurlbutt, what a coincidence. We meet again."

Vere, booting up his computer, was surprised by her calm demeanor. Unlike the other stressed competitors, she seemed utterly relaxed.

"Focus on the questions; don't disturb me," Vere said coldly, instantly classifying her as a troublemaker.

A smile touched Emma's lips. "Don't worry, I won't disturb you. But that doesn't mean others won't," she added, her meaning hanging in the air.