Kicked Out I Unlocked My Ultimate Boss Mode novel Chapter 48

**Broken Doesn’t Mean End**
By M. Kaushik

**Chapter 48: Waiting at the Gate**

Timothy and Helen, having successfully navigated the chaos of the cafeteria, found a quiet nook to enjoy their meals. With trays piled high with an array of dishes, they settled into their corner, laughter and conversation flowing easily between them as they savored their brief respite from the day’s demands.

In stark contrast, Wendy stood rigidly at the entrance of the National Core Energy Research Institute, her silhouette framed by the unforgiving afternoon sun. She had chosen a shadowy corner, clutching a meticulously organized stack of papers against her chest, her eyes glued to the entrance as if her unwavering gaze could summon Professor Philip Langford from behind the imposing gates.

Her delicate features, typically adorned with an air of confidence, were now marred by an expression that spoke volumes of her inner turmoil. The worry lines etched across her forehead betrayed the tempest of anxiety swirling within her, each tick of the clock amplifying her unease.

Four long hours had dragged on since her arrival, each minute stretching like an eternity under the relentless sun. Her stomach growled in protest, a stark reminder of her hunger, yet the thought of abandoning her post was utterly unfathomable. The mere idea of stepping away, even for a fleeting moment, sent a jolt of panic through her veins. What if Philip chose that very instant to appear?

No, she had sacrificed far too much to give up now; her resolve was unyielding.

As the minutes ticked by, her anxiety morphed into a simmering frustration. Wendy, the heiress of the illustrious Walcott family—Veridia’s wealthiest lineage—had never been subjected to such indignity. She was used to people gravitating toward her, not the other way around. The very act of waiting felt like a personal affront to her status.

The sight of armed guards from the Department of Defense, their stern expressions a constant reminder of the strict protocols in place, only heightened her sense of vulnerability. If it hadn’t been for her student ID from Duntin University, which she had brandished like a badge of honor to prove her worthiness to stand at this gate, she would have been turned away without a second thought.

Wendy continued her vigil, her heart racing with anticipation. Just when she thought her patience might wane, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure approaching—William, clad in a crisp white lab coat, his glasses perched precariously on his nose, striding purposefully towards her.

“William!” she called out, her voice a mixture of relief and eagerness, as if he were a beacon of hope amidst her growing despair.

Her expression brightened, and she moved forward, her heart lifting at the sight of him. William was not just any student; he was one of Philip’s most trusted protégés, a young man who had earned the professor’s respect through sheer dedication and hard work.

“Wendy?” William paused, adjusting his glasses, a look of puzzlement crossing his face. “What brings you here?”

“I’m looking for Professor Langford,” she replied, her voice laced with urgency and hope. “I’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity. Can you please let him know I’m here at the gate?”

William’s gaze flicked over her elegant attire, taking in the polished look she had meticulously crafted for this very moment. His eyes sparkled with a hint of admiration, but his next words were tinged with concern.

“Wendy, I wish I could help you, but you’ve chosen the worst possible time. Professor Langford is completely swamped today. He hasn’t even had a moment to eat. Look at me—I barely made it back to Veridia before being rushed here to assist.”

Wendy instinctively hugged her papers tighter, biting her lip to suppress the wave of disappointment that threatened to overwhelm her. The sting of tears pricked at her eyes, a sign of her mounting frustration. When she had passed Philip’s initial assessment, he had promised her that she could approach him anytime if she encountered obstacles with her research. How had it come to this?

“William, maybe it’s best if you come back another day,” he suggested, pulling out his phone as if to emphasize the urgency of his situation. “I really need to get inside and start working. How about we exchange numbers? I’ll keep you updated once I’m finished.”

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