“You should know that my mother is the Deputy Director of the research institute. Even if you were expelled, you would still be a medical school undergraduate. As long as I talk to my mother, she can arrange a respectable job for you.

“But if you make me take the blame for a disciplinary penalty, you won’t get anything at all!”

Kyle’s face turned pale as he looked at Natalie with evident fear and anxiety. He knew everything she said was true. Offending her would bring him no benefit. However, if he were to admit everything, he would be expelled.

He overcame significant challenges to gain admission to graduate school. With graduation approaching, he could not accept being expelled. Fear and regret overwhelmed him. Kyle raised his hand and, in one swift motion, seized Natalie by the throat.

“How can I be certain that what you are saying is true? What if you deceive me? In that case, I will end up with nothing as well!”

Natalie’s face turned a deep red, and she was nearly out of breath. “No, that’s not going to happen. I can call right now and secure your job for you first!”

“Really?” Kyle hesitated slightly.

Natalie, with a confident look, said, “It’s true!”

“Then you make the call.” Kyle released his grip.

Natalie let out a sigh of relief. She had truly feared that Kyle might harm her recklessly.

Arranging employment for Kyle was not difficult. Before news of his withdrawal from school became public, she could use her mother’s connections to secure Kyle a place in the research institute.

However, she couldn’t guarantee he could stay for long.

After finishing the call, Kyle’s gaze toward her became noticeably gentler. Then, he said, “I know you look down on me. I am also aware that I am not as capable as Gavin or Vincent, and my family background can’t compare to that of Aiden or Jaden. Within the team, except for Josie, I can’t surpass anyone.

“However, I later realized that she was several times more intelligent than I had initially perceived. She possesses an excellent memory, learns new things quickly, and is quick and nimble in her work. When she first joined the team, everyone took good care of her.

“In just one year, she managed to catch up with our progress entirely. She was also able to quickly absorb the material David presented, which gave me an unprecedented sense of crisis.

“Natalie, you are merely fortunate to have been born into the Kinberg family. If you had faced the same circumstances as I did, you might not have reached my level.

“Just wait and see. One day, she will learn everything you have done to her and will trample you underfoot. You look down on me now. But when that time comes, you may find yourself beneath even me.

“In the end, you will merely be another of her defeated subordinates. In my presence, what reason do you have to be proud or to act superior?”

Kyle reached out and gently patted Natalie’s face. His gaze was filled with mockery. He laughed so hard as tears streamed from his eyes.

“I think you’ve lost your mind. What possible benefit could you gain from cursing me to lose to her?” Natalie pushed him.

Kyle gave her a long, deep look. “If you want to make things better, you’d better treat me well. Don’t forget, Josie hates you right now. The smartest choice is to stand with me and help me deal with her.” Then, he picked up his bag, turned, and walked out.

“Hey, what do you mean?” Natalie reached out and grabbed him.

Kyle stood still, without moving. “Rest assured, Josie and I are now enemies. As long as you keep your promise, I will stand by your side and support you in the future.”

Natalie let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good. Just don’t forget to admit to the text message thing. The school can’t keep investigating!”

Perhaps it was the large bun Josie had that lifted her spirits. As a result, she found the exam far less intimidating than she had imagined, and even somewhat easy.

She worked through the questions effortlessly, and she only slowed down once she reached the final question. As she left the exam room, she still felt somewhat dazed and wondered if she might be dreaming. ‘Is it just me, or were the questions a bit off?’

Before she could comprehend what was happening, someone blocked her path. It was a male student dressed in black clothes and black pants, wearing a mask. He looked intimidating.