Ch. 431..440
Chapter 431
Ivor looked at Thaddeus and said, “Let me hear it. Also, calling me ‘master‘ isn’t going to cut it. You’ll
have to make a toast in my name too.”
Thaddeus’s lips twitched. The sight of Ivor and Bonnie standing together stung him so much.
“The truth is, you don’t look good together, Ivor.”
Ivor released his grip on Bonnie’s waist and said gently to her, “Go ahead and prepare dinner. The two of
us are going to talk outside.”
“Do whatever you want.” Bonnie knew what they planned to do, but she was unbothered.
Not long after, she heard the sounds of fighting coming from outside.
‘That’s weird. They’re fighting so fiercely, and they’re not exactly being discreet. So, why didn’t Vince show up? He should’ve been up by now.‘ She then decided, ‘I have to go upstairs and check on him.‘
She stepped out of the kitchen and saw Ivor throw Thaddeus over his shoulder before flinging him across
the room.
“Motherfucker! Do you have to take it this far, Ivor? I mean it. You guys don’t look good together. Can’t a guy tell the truth?”
” E F 5F
“I suppose you think you look good with her, then?”
“Heh! This is the first thing you’ve said that makes sense today.”
“You asked for it!” Ivor charged at him again.
Ged was eating a bucket of popcorn and cheering them on. “Go get him, Ivor! Teach him a lesson!
“Come on, Thaddeus. You’re not a punching bag. Fight back, for heaven’s sake! Don’t worry about it. Just aim for his pretty face! Once you ruin his good looks, Bonnie won’t even look at him!”
She simply couldn’t be bothered with these men. She hastened upstairs and went inside Vince’s room.
That was when she realized the little boy was lying on the bed. There were rashes all over his body.
“What’s the matter, Vince?!”
The little boy opened his eyes weakly and said, “H–Hi, Bonnie. D–Don’t worry about it. I–I’m…”
He couldn’t even finish his sentence before he slipped into unconsciousness.
“Vince!”
Grabbing his arm quickly, she checked his pulse.
and
Ivor heard her voice from downstairs. He abandoned his fight with Thaddeus and ran off to Vince’s room.
“What came over him?” Thaddeus asked, completely stunned.
Tossing the popcorn bucket aside, Ged responded, “I think something happened to Vince.”
“Who’s Vince?” Thaddeus asked before he remembered about the pair of kid slippers. “You mean
Bonnie’s little brother.”
“There’s no time to explain. We have to check on him now.”
Thaddeus watched as Ged rushed to the stairs and followed after him.
The first thing he saw when he entered the room was Bonnie checking a little boy’s pulse.
“Huh? Does she know what she’s doing?” He asked as he shook Ged’s shoulder.
Ged didn’t see a reason to keep anything from him. “Will you believe me if I tell you she’s a world-
renowned miracle doctor?”
“It’s been a long time since we last met. It seems you’re getting better at making up stories.”
Realizing that Thaddeus didn’t believe him, Ged couldn’t be bothered to explain further.
“Huh?” Thaddeus took brisk steps toward the bed. He reached out and touched Vince’s face.
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Bonnie stopped him and asked, “What are you doing?”
“I–I think this is a food allergy reaction.” Thaddeus’s hand, which was still touching Vince’s face, started
trembling.
“How did you know about that?” She didn’t know about it herself until after she checked the little boy’s pulse.
He took a deep breath before he looked at her solemnly. “Did you give him the cheeseburger sliders? Were there tomatoes in them?”
She was stunned. “How do you know about that?”
“I knew it! I knew it!” Thaddeus was overjoyed.
He looked at Vince’s face, which was covered with rashes. However, Vince’s features gave Thaddeus enough information to know he was right.
Bonnie and the rest did not have the foggiest idea of what he was getting at.
“What on earth has gotten over you, Thaddeus? Why do you look so happy?” Ged asked.
He pointed at Vince’s face before pointing at his own.
“Don’t you guys think he looks familiar?”
Now that he pointed it out, they finally understood.
“Dang! I–Is he your long lost brother?” Ged was so shocked that he almost bit his tongue.
“It’s highly possible.”
“We live in a big world. Sometimes we meet strangers who look exactly like someone we know. Also, what are the freaking odds?”
Thaddeus pointed at the rashes on the little boy’s face. “I also have an allergy to tomatoes. Once, I almost died because I ate some of it.”
Everyone fell silent immediately.
Standing up, she said, “Let’s put this aside for now. Vince is in a dire situation, and I don’t have the necessary medical equipment here. We have to send him to the hospital for an IV drip.”
“Okay!” Thaddeus quickly carried the little boy in his arms to the ground floor.
The Shermans stopped everything they were doing and rushed to the hospital as soon as they got news
about Vince.
“Are you sure the little boy’s your brother, Thaddeus?” Dominick was so overwhelmed that his hands couldn’t stop shaking.
Thaddeus’s mother, Willow Sherman, was also very excited. Her eyes were completely red. Evidently, she
cried on her way here.
“He looks exactly like me, and he had an allergic reaction because he ate some tomatoes. We’ll have to run some DNA tests to know for sure, though,” he answered.
However, he was pretty convinced that Vince was his younger brother.
Dominick and Willow held each other and said, “Heavens, please let the little boy be our son!”
Not long after, the door to the emergency room swung open. Bonnie rolled the hospital bed out.
Now that they had a chance to look at Vince, whose eyes were shut, both of them were pretty sure that they had found their long–lost son.
“How’s he doing, Bonnie?”
She took off her mask. “I just ran a thorough body checkup for him and gave him the relevant treatment. We can be sure he had an allergy to tomatoes. He’s stabilized now.”
“Wonderful! That’s great. Thank the heavens!”
She frowned slightly. “I’m sorry. This was my fault. I made him the sliders with tomatoes in them yesterday.”
“Why would anyone blame you? You didn’t know about it, after all,” Ivor said, feeling heartbroken.
“Exactly! This isn’t your fault at all. We made the same mistake with Thaddeus, back when he was very young. We didn’t know he was allergic to tomatoes, and he was bedridden for days.”
Willow had nothing but gratitude for Bonnie.
Dominick said, “Ivor told us about what you did for Vince. If you hadn’t taken him in and sent him to school, he might still be homeless somewhere.
“Thank you, Bonnie. I mean it. I appreciate what you did for him!” Dominick’s eyes were filled with tears as
he spoke.
“Oh. That reminds me,” Bonnie said. “I had them run a DNA test using samples of Vince and Thaddeus’s blood. The result should be out anytime now.”
The next moment, a young nurse holding the result walked toward her.
“This is the DNA test result you asked for, Ms. Bonnie.”
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“What do the results say?!” Dominick and his family asked at the same time.
Bonnie took the report and flipped through it. Her lips curled into a smile as she said, “Good news. Your long lost son has finally returned to your side.”
A
“This is fantastic! Thank the merciful heavens! I’ve found my youngest son, at last!” Dominick, who was
six feet tall, burst into tears.
Willow and Thaddeus were crying their eyes out too.
Half an hour later, Vince woke up, and Bonnie told him everything.
His lips trembled as he asked, “A–Are you making a joke, Bonnie? D–Do you mean it when you say they are my family?”
Nodding, she said, “We did the DNA test. You guys are family.
“I’m sorry, my boy! It’s our fault that you suffered so much alone out there!” Dominick pulled the little boy
into his embrace as he spoke.
Willow and Thaddeus also came over and hugged them.
Bonnie felt a lump in her throat when she witnessed this moment. “What are you waiting for, Vince? Greet
your mom and dad.”
The little boy’s eyes were completely red. It took him a long time to finally say, “Mom… Dad…”
“Oh, my sweet boy!”
Vince was so overwhelmed that he could no longer control himself. He finally cried like a child his age
would.
It took the Shermans a good while before they regained their composure.
Wiping his tears away, Dominick approached Bonnie and said gratefully, “We had a slim chance of ever reuniting with Vince if it wasn’t for you, Bonnie. I owe you a great debt.
“So, please, let us know if you need any help. I swear, the entire Sherman family will do our level best to
repay you!”
“There’s no need for that, Dominick. I wasn’t expecting anything in return when I helped Vince. I merely did it because I pitied him and found him quite mature. I truly liked him.”
‘What a lady. I see why Ivor loves her this much,‘ he thought. Then he said, “What a shame. I sincerely hoped my other son could’ve won the heart of someone like you.”
The next thing he knew, Ivor showed up and took her away.
Thaddeus just kept sighing. “What can I say except that I was too late? Otherwise, I’m sure my shamelessness would’ve worn her down.”
17
“That’s enough. Saying these won’t do you any good. Keep it up and find another lady. I’m counting on you to make me an adorable grandchild.”
Thaddeus sighed heavily. “Now that I met someone as wonderful as Bonnie, I don’t think I’ll ever find another lady. After all, she raised the bar pretty damn high. I don’t think anyone could ever stir my heart.”
“What do you mean by that, you punk? Are you going to let the Sherman bloodline end?” Dominick was so angry that his face turned red.
Thaddeus turned around and glanced at Vince. “Well, you found your other son. Perhaps you entrust this hugely important task to him.”
Dominick and Willow’s eyes sparkled as they looked at Vince.
Their stares made the hair on the back of Vince’s neck stand up. He might have no idea what they were talking about, but he had a strong suspicion that big trouble had found him.
In the blink of an eye, it was Monday.
Bonnie checked the time. It was just 8 a.m. The meeting wasn’t going to start for an hour. So, she might as well read a book in the lecture hall.
“Did you guys hear? The university president was seriously ill, and he suggested that a new person take over.” Frankie’s words caused a big commotion in the hall.
“Where did you get the news? Is this really happening?”
“Of course! The truth is, my dad works at this university. He told me about it,” he said proudly.
“Well. It has to be true, then. Do you know who’s the new president? Is it a famous person? Come on, tell
us.”
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Frankie shook his head. “I don’t know the specifics. All my dad said was that the new university president
is already on campus.”
hey the
Avril overheard this. Leaning closer to Bonnie, she whispered, “Tell me the truth, Bonnie. Are you the new
president?”
Bonnie nodded. “I didn’t want the position, but I couldn’t bear to turn Russell down.”
“Phew…” Avril let out a deep breath. She thought, ‘I know Bonnie and the president were quite close, but
this is still shocking.‘
“When are you going to take over? Are they going to do some kind of ceremony?” Avril asked excitedly. She was already imagining Bonnie standing on stage and giving a speech to everyone on campus.
She glanced at Frankie and thought. ‘Look at him, feeling so proud of himself. He’s going to look like a chump when he sees that Bonnie is the new president.’
“I’m going to attend the meeting soon, but we’re not going to announce anything publicly. So, mum’s the
word.” Bonnie said, worried.
“Huh? Why, though? You’re going to be the new president. Why wouldn’t you announce it? It’s such an honorable feat!” Avril couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
Frowning, Bonnie responded, “I won’t know peace if I do that. Everyone’s going to hound me relentlessly. Moreover, I wouldn’t have kept my identity as Bonita under wraps if I cared about being popular.”
Then, it finally hit Avril. ‘She’s right! Being the university president is an incredible feat, but it doesn’t hold a candle to her identity as Bonita! Ugh. I can’t stand it anymore. I have to share this news with someone.‘
Pulling out her phone, she sent Daken a text. “The university has a new president, Dad.”
Daken replied to her, “Who’s that?”
“Bonnie.”
“Huh?!”
She felt much better when she saw her dad’s reply.
It’d be 9 a.m. in ten minutes. So Bonnie rose and walked out of the lecture hall.
“Hold it, Bonnie!” Frankie stopped her. “Class is about to start soon. Where do you think you’re going?”
Turning around, she said dryly, “Mind your own business.”
Then she went away to attend the meeting without so much as a glance at him.
He was so angered by her reaction that his neck turned red.
‘Keep acting cocky while you can. I’m going to tell Dad about your blatant disregard for the campus rules as soon as the new university president is here.
‘The new president has just taken over. I’ll bet he can’t wait to exercise his authority and make himself look good in the process!‘
All of the top management personnel had gathered in the conference room.
“Do you think the new university president is competent? Mr. Russell might’ve complimented her nonstop, but we won’t know for sure until we see her in action.”
“Hear, hear. Needless to say, Mr. Russell commands our respect, but I’m going to rise and rebel if the new one doesn’t have what it takes to do the job. What’s your take on this, Reece?”
Reece wore an irritated expression on his face. “It doesn’t matter what we think. We’re going to have a new university president. It’s decided. All I want is to ask her to expel a particular student who blatantly went against the rules.”
“Who could that be? Look at you. You’re practically steaming.” Adan asked.
“You know her too. You used to give lectures to her.”
“Who in the world are you talking about? I don’t seem to recall any student going against the rules.”
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“Bonnie’s the only student who never focused during lectures. She even skipped classes regularly.”
“Bonnie?” Adan was stunned. He didn’t think Reece was trying to expel her.
“Exactly! Are you going to tell me that she’s never skipped your class?”
“Well, she did. However, her talents are miles ahead of everyone else! I’m not exaggerating here, but her gifts and skills in computer science were far above mine. I’ve got nothing to teach her. In fact, she could
show me a pointer or two.”
Reece replied, “How could you say such a thing? She’s just a student. You’re supposed to be teaching her,
not the other way around!”
Adan wasn’t fazed by it at all.
“Being a student doesn’t make her inferior, nor does being a teacher mean we’re better than her. Proficiency in scientific research doesn’t come with age.
“Take a look at Ms. Bonita. We might not know what she looks like, but we do know that she’s young. Are you going to pretend you know everything in front of her just because she’s a young lady?”
“That’s quite enough, Adan!” Reece roared, “You’ve got some nerve to take Ms. Bonita’s name in vain. How dare you compare her with that good–for–nothing? Do you know what would happen if people from her research institute or Ms. Bonita herself overheard what you said?”
The other professors and the top management personnel couldn’t take their bickering anymore and tried
to defuse the situation.
“Stop it, both of you. The new president is going to be here soon. What’s she going to think about us when she sees you guys fighting over a student?
“As for that Bonnie character, you guys can bring it up for discussion when she’s here. She’ll decide if it’s necessary to expel this student.”
The next thing they knew, Russell’s assistant came into the conference room.
“The new president is here. Please rise, everyone.”
Everyone was brimming with curiosity.
‘Who’s the new president? As far as I heard, it’s someone from the campus itself. However, every reputable figure in the university is already here. So, who in the world took over Russell’s place?’
Everyone was staring at the door with anticipation when Bonnie slowly appeared before them.
The top management personnel gaped at her, especially Reece and Adan. Never had they thought that Bonnie could be the new president. For heaven’s sake, they were her professors.
“Greetings, I’m the new university president. My name’s Bonnie.” She stood at the head of the table and introduced herself calmly.
Silence hung over the conference room.
It was so quiet that they could’ve heard a pin drop. None of them could believe what they were seeing. Some of them even subtly pinched their own thighs.
“Please be seated, everyone,” she said before she pulled the chair out and sat down.
Then she realized everyone was frozen to their spot. None of them moved a muscle.
“Are you guys going to stand there until the meeting adjourns?”
Her words brought everyone back to their senses. All of them proceeded to take their seats, although
they moved stiffly.
‘How could this be? Why is she the new president?‘ Reece stared at her. The longer he looked at her, the
harder it was for him to accept the truth.
She noticed his stare and said, “You’re giving me a funny look, Professor Reece. Is there anything you
want to say?”
He wrestled with himself for several seconds. Then, he couldn’t stop himself anymore. “Why are you
taking over Mr. Russell’s position?”
This was what everyone was wondering about.
“This was Russell’s decision. I can’t help it,” she responded.
“Heh! Why do you make it sound like you don’t want the position? Do you know what you’re doing now? You’re acting coy after you got the offer everyone dreams of!”
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Bonnie looked at Reece nonchalantly. “Do you not agree with me becoming the new president?”
“What makes you think you have what it takes to command my respect?” Reece asked her in turn.
Russell’s assistant couldn’t stand it anymore. “Watch your tone, Reece! She’s the president!”
He swept his eyes across everyone in the conference room and realized that none of them were happy with Russell’s decision.
“This is Pyralis University we’re talking about here. Do you think Mr. Russell could just assign someone to take over his position on a whim?”
At the next moment, he placed a document on the conference table.
“This is the official approval from the government. See for yourself.”
Reece was the first one to act. The more he flipped through the pages, the wider his eyes became. His face was contorted with rage when he saw the government seals on the pages.
The other professors saw his reaction and were very curious about its contents. After he was finished with it, they took their turns reading it.
The conference room was filled with the sound of the turning page and gasps. They spoke amongst themselves.
“He’s right that Pyralis University is one of the best universities in Arvandor. Russell simply doesn’t have the authority to assign the next president all by himself.”
“Bonnie must’ve possessed some extraordinary talent. Otherwise, the government wouldn’t approve of her being the new president.”
“But, why? Obviously, Bonnie won the Best Scholar Award, but that’s not a strong enough reason for her to be president of the prestigious Pyralis University!”
“Is it possible that she has some incredible identity?”
Adan whispered to Reece, “How are you going to expel Bonnie now?”
“Hmph!” The latter was so mad that his face turned red.
Adan did his best to stifle his laughter. Turning his head sideways, he looked at Bonnie. “Bonnie… Ahem! I mean, Ms. Bonnie. A-Aren’t you just a student? How were you promoted to be the president?”
She swept her eyes across the room and said, “I believe that all of you are curious about it. However, I don’t wish to reveal the specifics. I’ve also asked Russell to keep a secret about it.”
“Here you are, acting all mysterious. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought you’re some kind of big shot.” Reece simply wasn’t happy that Bonnie was the president now.
“Watch your tone, Reece! She’s the president!” Adan retorted.
“You surprise me, Adan. I’ve always thought of you as a serious, upstanding guy. Who knew you’re this much of a suck-up?”
“What do you mean by suck-up? There’s no reason to be this harsh, Reece. The government has given their approval. That means she has the skill set to master the position of president.”
“Skillset? Pray, tell. What skillset does she have? If she’s as good as what you claim to be, then she’s going to have to show us some results. Drungend University was insignificant ten years ago. Now, however, they’re collaborating with the Arjun Research Institute.
“They’ve been growing by leaps and bounds ever since. They’re about to overtake us. Meanwhile, we’re still growing at our usual pace. At this rate, they’re going to dethrone us and become the most prestigious university in Pyralis!
“Again, if she’s this tough, then she’ll figure out a way to get us out of this debacle. I’ll show her some respect, then!”
What Reece said made everyone grow silent. It was true. Pyralis University was on the cusp of being replaced as the city’s number-one university.
Bonnie was confused. She looked at Russell’s assistant and asked, “How have I not heard of this Arjun Research Institute?”
“Arjun Research Institute is the fourth most eminent research institute in Arvandor, Ms. Bonnie.” He responded.
Reece couldn’t help but roll his eyes at her. “Come on. Even a school kid knows about the Arjun Research Institute. How could you not know about it?! You know nothing about the world. How are you supposed to be leading the university to a better tomorrow?
“You know what? Forget about a better tomorrow. I don’t even think you can lead us to resolve the imminent crisis. I’d even go so far as to say we’re lucky if you don’t run this fine establishment into the ground.”
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The other personnel and professors grew worried as well.
“Arjun Research Institute is the fourth most eminent research institute in Arvandor. It’s fine if a commoner doesn’t know about it, but every self-respecting student in a prestigious university would know about it. Moreover, she’s the president.”
Everyone was muttering and whispering to each other when they heard Bonnie’s cold voice.
“I don’t know about Arjun Research Institute because I only recognize the top three research institutes in Arvandor. I don’t think there’s a need to know about them if they’re not in the top three.”
“How cocky! Fine, I’ll play along! You said you knew the top three research institutes. Name them now!” Reece was so ready to see her humiliate herself. He was going to mock her if she couldn’t name them.
She responded leisurely. “Deshawn Research Institute at Adagate holds third place. Ten years ago, their research concluded that the LKM current was decisively beneficial to the treatment of the human brain.
“Hauser Research Institute holds second place. Eight years ago, they disregarded the general public’s dissent and the rebukes from experts in their industry. They developed a new weapon for the nation, which further bolstered our nation’s defenses.
“In fact, they became the most eminent research institute back then. However, it didn’t last long. Seven years ago, Bonita Research Institute seemingly rose from nowhere and took the world by storm.
“They managed to develop a series of groundbreaking scientific projects that shocked not just the entire Arvandor, but the globe. That was how they quickly ascended in the ranks and became the
most eminent research institute in Arvandor.
“Needless to say, Hauser Research Institute was demoted to second place and the Deshawn Research Institute to third place.”
“Recently, they even successfully developed the latest nanomaterial, which only serves to solidify its number one standing among the research institutes. To this day, no one could even come close to dethroning them.
“The research institutes that aren’t in the top three ranks didn’t make any groundbreaking scientific research. I might not remember their names, but that’s a far cry from being ignorant.”
What she said shut everyone up effectively, especially Reece. Her words were so on-point that he didn’t know what he could say at that moment.
“I can see where you guys are coming from. I’ve decided that I’m going to do something to make you and Russell feel at ease. I’m going to solidify Pyralis University’s status as the most prestigious university in Pyralis.”
She knew this would happen before she came. However, she didn’t expect the pushback to be this strong.
“What are you going to do? In fact, what can you do?” Reece refused to believe that a tardy, undisciplined student could make a difference.
“Didn’t you say that Drungend University collaborated with the Arctic… Wait a minute, is it Arctic or Arjun Research Institute? Forget about it. It doesn’t matter. Didn’t these two collaborate on scientific research?
“Well, two can play at that game. We’ll organize a scientific research competition. The winner will get 10 million dollars.”
Everyone was shocked to the core by what she said.
“10 million dollars?! That’s a huge figure. I know you’re the president, but do you think you could just decide on something like this? Do you think the school board would agree to something like this? Heck, would the top management approve of this?
“It would’ve been a different story if you’re building a facility on the campus. You might be able to get the approvals. However, you’re asking for 10 million dollars to reward a student. Heh heh heh…” It was obvious he was mocking her.
Reece wasn’t alone in this. Even Adan, who was on Bonnie’s side, also thought the university would never fork out this kind of money to reward a single student.
Raising her delicate brows, she said, “I’ll sponsor the reward.”
‘What? She said she’d sponsor it! Are my ears deceiving me? This is 10 million dollars we’re talking about here!’
However, she wasn’t done speaking. “10 million dollars is just one of the rewards. I’ve got another reward in store.
“The winner will also get an internship at Bonita Research Institute. If the winner excels at it and wishes to work for the institute, then they are welcome to join them.”
Everyone was gripped with shock at what she said.
Reece stammered, “T-The Bonita Research Institute?”
“Mm-hmm.” She nodded in response.
“Is it some sort of joke? The Bonita Research Institute is the top research institute in Arvandor. What makes you think they’d want to collaborate with us? Why would they take in one of our students?
“You’ve just shown me how ignorant you are about the Bonita Research Institute’s standing in the nation. Not even the most prominent professors could get in there. They have to undergo a series of complicated procedures before they can be accepted as an intern.”
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Reece refused to believe Bonnie could perform such an incredible feat. In fact, no one in the conference
room had that kind of faith in her.
“He’s right! Most of us aren’t happy that a student was promoted to president. However, Mr. Russell was the one who made the decision, and he obtained approval from the government. So, we have no choice
but to accept it.
“However, she’s making a blatant lie to consolidate her position. That’s something I can’t get behind.”
“It’d be wise if none of us spoke of this to outsiders. It’d be most mortifying if the public learned that our new president is so out of touch with reality.”
Everyone was still discussing it intensely when Bonnie pulled out her phone and called the people at her
research institute.
“Yeah. Just do as I say and make an official announcement, Be quick about it.”
Everyone frowned at that, especially Reece, who did nothing to hide the mockery on his face.
He was about to say something when she pulled out her phone again. She checked it and seemed to be pleased.
“Check your phones, guys.”
None of them wasted a second. Pulling out their phones, they finally saw the official announcement from Bonita Research Institute. They were so shocked that their jaws dropped to the floor.
The announcement read, “It’s our honor to announce that we will take in the winner of Pyralis University’s Scientific Research Competition as an intern. If the winner excels at it and wishes to work for the institute, then they are welcome to join us.”
The official tweet was flooded with comments.
“Why did I pick Drungend University instead of Pyralis University? I could’ve had a chance to work at Bonita Research Institute!”
“Can I still apply for a transfer now?”
“This is strange. Why would Pyralis University collaborate with Bonita Research Institute now?”
“Rumor has it that there’s a new président at Pyralis University. Today’s supposed to be their first day too. Do you think it has anything to do with that?”
“You’re making a lot of sense.”
The top management personnel and professors looked at each other strangely before directing their gaze
at Bonnie.
“Ms. Bonnie! I didn’t think you’d be this capable. You actually have a connection to someone at Bonita Research Institute. I must say, we have truly underestimated you! I hope I didn’t offend you earlier.”
Chapte: 438
2.2
“Exactly. We had no idea about your capabilities. Now it makes sense why Russell kept praising your nonstop. He has always said that you’ll lead the university to the top of the world once you take over his
position.”
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“With this official announcement and the fact that one of Pyralis University’s students might get into Bonita Research Institute, I’m sure our enrollment rate would increaser”
” said you’re ignorant when you didn’t know about Arjun Research Institute, but I’m tempted to slap myself now. You are above all that. Only the top three research institutes are worth your time and
attention!”
Reece’s face turned red with anger when he heard how the others complimented Bonnie.
Adan looked at Reece triumphantly. He was about to make a dig at Reece, but he saw how the latter’s face had soured and decided against it. Otherwise, Reece might pass out right away
Russell’s assistant basked in the glory. Looking at her out of the corner of his eyes, he thought to himself. It’s going to blow their minds if they learn that Bonnie is none other than Ms. Bonita herself. I’ll bet they’ll
suck up to her more than they’re doing now.
At that moment, one of the top management personnel asked, “We’re all curious about something, Ms. Bonnie. What kind of connection do you have with Bonita Research Institute?”
It was lively in the conference room a minute ago. Now, an eerie silence hung over the room as all of
them stared at Bonnie again.
Sweeping her eyes across everyone, she responded calmly, “I’d rather not say it.”
Everyone was disappointed by it. However, they knew she must’ve had a reason for not saying it.
“That’ll be all today. If none of you have anything else to discuss, then let’s adjourn the meeting.”
She stood from her chair, and that wrapped up the meeting.
Everyone waited until she left before they filed out of the conference room. Reece kept his head lowered throughout the entire time. He was so embarrassed that he wished he could teleport himself to the other side of the earth.
At that moment, a couple of professors walked by him.
“Here’s a bold assumption. Isn’t Ms. Bonita supposed to be young as well? Moreover, they were both ladies. Do you think Ms. Bonnie may be Ms. Bonita herself?”
His heart quivered. He stared at his fellow professor with widened eyes. His body was as stiff as a board.
“What crazy idea is that?” The professor next to him said, “Who do you think Ms. Bonita is? She’s the pillar of the world of scientific research in Arvandar! Why would she become university president instead of working at the research institute?”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Also, Bonnie is an ordinary computer science student. Do you think the reputable Ms. Bonita would enroll herself here to be a student? Why would she pick computer science of all things?”
“Yeah. That makes more sense. I guess I overshot it a little.”
Reece let out a breath of relief
“The logic tracks! At the same time, you have to think about how distinguished she is and how crucial she is to our nation! The King of Combat, Master Jim, acts as her bodyguard whenever she goes out. When have you seen Jim on our campus?”
“Heh heh. Now, I’m embarrassed. Please don’t tell anyone about what I was thinking earlier!”
Reece felt so much better. Chuckling nervously, he shook his head. How ridiculous that idea was.
That was when a security guard bumped into his shoulder by mistake.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Just watch it…” Before he could finish, he was gawking at the security guard, who was doing his
best to pull down his cap.
The security guard was wearing a mask, so Reece couldn’t get a good look at his mug. However, the guard looked exactly like that person!
Reece pulled out his phone and looked up Jim Ray’s pictures.
‘C–Could it be? I–Is this really happening? Why would someone like Ms. Bonita study in our university? Is this just a coincidence? However, the security guard looks just like..
“Am I imagining things?”
“Hey, you! Hold it right there!”
Chapter 440
Reece needed to prove to himself that he was merely seeing things. He walked briskly toward the security guard. Eventually, he picked up his pace and ran after the latter.
However, he ran for a while and still couldn’t see anyone.
In the end, he went to the security office and asked for all the footage. He sat down and went through all. of it, but he didn’t see anyone looking remotely close to Jim.
“Does this mean I was actually seeing things?”
Reece went back to the lecture hall and discovered Bonnie wasn’t there.
“Back to your seats, guys. The class is going to begin now. Today, we’re looking at…”
Frankie raised his hand and said, “You forgot about taking attendance, Professor Reece.”
His classmates were very curious, too. Reece was known for being so strict that he’d never miss out on
taking attendance before he started every single lesson. So, why did he forget about it today?
Pursing his lips, Reece looked at Frankie angrily.
“Bonnie’s over there by the library, Professor Reece. Look!” Frankie pointed at a spot not far from the
window and shouted.
He didn’t like how Frankie was acting, but he was curious why Bonnie went to the library instead of
coming back to class
He was feeling a little puzzled and looked in the direction Frankie pointed. Then, he saw her chatting with
a security guard.
“Wait a minute. I recognize that guy! His stature is similar to the one who bumped into me in the hallway!
Could it be…?
Bonnie didn’t realize that people from her lecture hall were looking at her. She was talking to Jim, who had disguised himself as a security guard and snuck into the campus.
“Didn’t I tell you not to come here when I’m on campus?”
“Things are different now.”
“How so? Things have stayed the same.”
“I beg to differ, Bonnie. You used to be a student here. Now, however, you’re promoted to be its president. This is a highly prestigious position. What am I going to do if someone wants to harm you and I’m not around to protect you?” He asked stubbornly.
She rubbed the side of her head.
“This is Pyralis University. They have one of the best securities in the world. How am I supposed to be at risk at a place like this?”
“I’ll tell you what I’ve told you before I have a duty to perform. Your identity as the president of Pyralis University has attracted a lot of eyeballs, but the announcement from the research institute
has made
things worse.
“Everyone suspects that the new university president is closely connected to someone in the research Institute. With that in mind, you’re in greater danger than you realized.” He analyzed the situation logically.
“1 kept my identity as the university president under wraps. Who’s going to suspect me?”
“It doesn’t matter what you say, I’m going to guard your life right here at the university.”
She was about to say something, but she ended up holding her forehead helplessly.
“Fine. You can stay on campus if that’s what you want to do, but I’ll have to figure out a way to keep your identity secret. Remember. Don’t let anyone know who you are. Otherwise, it’ll become a bigger mess.
“Don’t worry about it. This isn’t my first rodeo.”
“Alright. It’s settled, then. I have to go back to class now. I’ll send a text to Russell’s assistant… I guess he’s my assistant now. Either way, I’ll ask him to figure out a cover for you.
“Alright.”
Bonnie returned to the lecture hall, nodded at Reece, and went inside.
“Are you going to waltz in like nothing happened, Bonnie? Do you know you’re late for more than ten minutes?” Frankie barked.