Chapter 102

"So, this is the team that made a scene a few days ago when Professor Lawson’s student switched majors to join them?"

Another person said, "Yeah, that’s gotta be them."

A third person asked, "The team from that super niche major?"

Someone else explained, "I heard Professor Wilcourt only has two students on her team: her daughter and her nephew."

"They didn’t even qualify for the campus group competition before."

A person asked, "So they owe it all to that cute girl, right?"

Another person said, "Owe her for what? Seriously, can’t you see? They’re just here to make up the numbers and get some experience. No way a big competition like this would let a newbie be the main presenter."

A third person said, "Exactly. Look at Aiden’s team. He’s the one presenting himself."

Someone else said, "Honestly, I bet their project’s a total snooze. Doubt they’ll even make it to the next round."

But as Josie started her presentation, all that trash talk in the crowd quickly died down.

Someone couldn’t help but remark, "Wow, didn’t expect this girl to actually have some real skills."

Another person said, "Yeah, who would’ve thought? She’s so cute, and what she’s doing is actually really cool!"

A third person said, "I really didn’t expect her to look so cute while being able to do such interesting things!"

Someone else said, "So what if it’s a niche major? They can still come up with something innovative. Professor Wilcourt really knows what she’s doing!"

Meanwhile, Natalie was burning with jealousy the moment Josie stepped onto the stage.

Natalie fumed inwardly, ‘Why her? What makes her so special that she gets to stand up there, basking in all that glory and attention? Has Sean lost his mind? How can he let some clueless country bumpkin be the main presenter for such an important competition? They’re definitely just here to make up the numbers. Josie, you idiot, just wait to embarrass yourself! I'd never believe you three could actually pull off a decent project in such a short time!’

But soon, her jealous expression went pale. She thought, ‘No way, how could this be happening? Why is Josie nailing this presentation?’

Gavin leaned forward and whispered, "Aiden, you didn’t see this coming either, did you? Honestly, I sure didn’t. I mean, you can change your clothes and your attitude, but not your intelligence. Looks like we really did underestimate Josie."

Aiden’s brows drew together. He hated this feeling.

He said, "How do you know she’s not just reading it word for word? This paper is way too deep and precise. Even if she matured overnight, there’s no way she could’ve written it herself."

Gavin pressed his lips together. "Even if she’s just reading off the script, you still have to actually understand all those technical terms to explain them. Honestly, you can tell she’s putting her own spin on things."

"Those questions from the judges just now were brutal," Vincent added, "But she handled every single one like it was nothing."

Aiden’s expression darkened, jealousy simmering beneath the surface. "So what, you guys think she was just pretending to be clueless when she was on our team? Or are you saying that after less than a month with Professor Wilcourt, she suddenly leveled up her IQ or something?"

Jaden let out a snort. "No way. I bet she was just hiding how good she really was before. She was afraid we’d get jealous if we knew what she could actually do."

"But then, why wasn’t she worried about Sean and Claire getting jealous?" Gavin replied with a cold smirk.

That question shut everyone up.

Natalie felt like she was about to explode. She thought, ‘Damn it, Josie, why can’t you just disappear already?’

Natalie’s eyes were rimmed red as she looked at Aiden. "Aiden, I don’t know if it’s just me, but all of this today is really making me think of what happened with that paper before. Josie’s definitely targeting me. I’m the one who dragged you all into this mess. Professor Wilcourt is only propping her up because she wants to embarrass Professor Lawson. This is all my fault. I never should’ve tried to go up against her. Now I’ve made you all look bad with me. I’m sorry."

Everyone was left speechless. They felt that Josie’s talent had nothing to do with Delilah. They thought, ‘Is Natalie really trying to say Josie’s whole performance is just because Delilah’s backing her? Does she seriously think it has nothing to do with Josie? Natalie is really reaching with that one!’

Most people had no idea about David trying to get Natalie’s paper published, but Aiden knew exactly what had happened.