“Josie, I think you may have misunderstood,” Audrey explained gently. “Our institute is the country’s leading research center, and we typically choose projects that reflect the most innovative work from top campus teams—like those recognized with the Grand Prize. Unfortunately, even though your team received the First Prize, it’s not enough for us to consider a collaboration.”

Josie patted her chest. “That’s good, that’s good. I was scared to death—when you called my name as soon as you came in, I thought you were interested in my project!”

After she finished speaking, she pulled Claire away. “It’s really puzzling. If she doesn’t value my project, why ask so much about my name? As the distinguished Deputy Director of the Research Center, it’s quite odd for her to have so much time on her hands.” She walked along, openly complaining to Claire in a voice loud enough for Audrey to hear.

Claire couldn’t see Audrey’s expression behind her, but she could barely contain her laughter. Audrey, her father’s main rival at the research center, had a reputation for neglecting her research and using her position to boss others around. She was truly insufferable.

‘It seems she’s finally met her match. Josie is truly assertive, showing no respect even toward the Deputy Director of the Central Research Institution. Is this fearlessness, or just ignorance?’ Claire wondered.

Claire was amused. “Josie, you’re being far too reckless. Do you even know who she is? How could you embarrass her like that? Aren’t you worried she might make things difficult for you?”

Josie shook her head. “I’m not afraid. After all, I don’t work with her, and I’m not part of the research center. So even if she wants to give me a hard time, at least for now, she hasn’t had the chance. As for the future… Claire, to be frank with you, setting aside her status, the mere fact that she is Natalie’s mother makes it impossible for her to be friendly towards me.

“Rather than pretending to get along with her, it’s better to be honest and go our separate ways. My energy is better spent on academic research than on unnecessary relationships. I believe that as long as my academic achievements stand out, her abilities alone won’t overshadow my potential.”

Claire was startled. “You have real ambition, Josie. At such a young age, you already have such a clear view of things—I’m impressed! But can you tell me how you know she’s Natalie’s mother? And why are you so sure she’ll be unfriendly toward you?”

The question stumped Josie. She did not want to lie to Claire, but she needed to find a reasonable explanation to remind her to be wary of Audrey.

Josie pondered for a moment. “When I was still on the team, I found out by accident that Natalie’s guardian was Audrey. I’m sure Audrey wouldn’t be friendly to me because I don’t think she didn't know about the plagiarism incident. The first time, Natalie said she was depressed and had missed school for a few days.

“The second time, I was kidnapped just before the school’s internal competition. If not for my senior and teacher, I might not have been able to participate. After that, Natalie was absent from school for several days. During this time, the police announced that their investigation into the kidnapping had concluded.

“Immediately after, Professor Lawson challenged Professor Reedshaw, still targeting me, but failed and was removed from the judging panel. That day, I went off-campus to eat and ran into Natalie, who had just returned from leave. She bumped into our group of four, saying that, besides trying to stir things up, she mainly wanted to test us.

“She knows David wants to target me, but she doesn’t know he failed yet, so she’s testing me. Based on what happened, Audrey definitely knew about it, and neither the kidnapping nor what David did were things Natalie could handle.”

Claire was confused by Josie’s words. “After analyzing the situation, it seems only plagiarism and the case with Professor Lawson have clear evidence. But for the kidnapping, didn’t the police already finish their investigation? Why do you think it’s connected to the Kinberg mother and daughter?”