Luna internally scoffed at Wilson's move. Once she obtained evidence of Mia's plagiarism and publicly exposed her, Wilson's announcement would become his greatest embarrassment. Luna looked forward to that day.
She continued scrolling through the announcement post. Wyatt's comment stood out: "Congratulations, Mia, and welcome to our big family! You've added excitement to our otherwise boring research team. I look forward to working with you!" Ethan's ingratiating comment followed immediately.
Luna scanned the comments and laughed aloud. She had naively believed Ethan's kindness was solely for her—groveling and showering her with praise. Only when the team cast her aside did she see his true nature.
Even in prison, she couldn't comprehend it. How could someone who once spoke so highly of her turn and hurl the vilest insults without hesitation? Her past self couldn't understand, but the answer became clear after her "rebirth"—the treatment she received was proportional to her perceived worth.
In Ethan's eyes, only usefulness mattered. He was a typical snob. Luna didn't linger; she quickly checked the comments to confirm all five of her senior team members had posted. She was gleeful to see them "getting along" with Mia.
Luna returned to Rhett's profile page, shared his post, and edited the caption: "Yes. I have joined Professor Wilder's research team. I understand changing majors in one's senior year is risky, but I'm grateful to Professor Wilder for her generosity. I shall not let her down. I would also like to thank my seniors, Rhett Wilder and Suzie Hoffman, for their concern and help. You have given me the confidence to pick up a new major. For that, I am grateful."
To Luna, changing majors was the first step to reversing her miserable fate, even if it appeared she'd been cast aside by Wilson's team. Erin's research team might be a temporary refuge, but they still deserved her public gratitude.
Chapter 18
To onlookers, Luna's move seemed a clumsy attempt at an escape, attracting only mockery. Before she even closed the page, taunting comments appeared:
"Looks like someone else will be at the top of the class now! Great news!"
"Luna's cold to everyone. Does she think she's better than everyone else? She deserves to be kicked out of the team!"
"You could never compete with Mia! She's beautiful inside and out. You're nothing but an ugly drama queen!"
"Damn, after so many years of seducing my Mr. McDreamy Wyatt Dalton, he's finally seen you for who you are! He should've kicked you out sooner!"
"Mia has saved Wyatt from Luna's claws, but what about poor Rhett? I don't want Rhett to fall under her spell!"
Luna paused, focusing on specific words: "Fall under her spell"? Reflecting, she realized Wyatt and the others had fallen under Mia's spell, refusing to believe the truth before their eyes. They even called Luna malicious and accused her of plotting against Mia.
But now, she wouldn't plead her case or try to win anyone over. She would watch from the sidelines, curious to see how high they soared, what they achieved, and what unforgettable experience Mia—whom they defended so passionately—would put them through.