From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Come Talk to Me After You Stir Your Brain

“Good thing you cut ties with them,” James said as he handed her a bottle of water, still mentally cursing the Joyner family for being so blind.

Then again, in a twisted way, he had them to thank.

Back when Scarlett was desperate to stay in the Joyner family, she turned down countless invitations from Jandale.

Now that she was free, the sky was the limit.

–

His mentor, Professor Hamilton, was already planning to establish a new lab in Jandale and now there was a real chance for them to work together.

So he asked, “What do you plan to do next?”

Scarlett took the bottle, sipped from it, and looked out the window at the scenery flying past.

“I’ve been developing a drug to treat blood disorders. But the observation period with the lab mice still has fifteen days to go.”

James understood immediately.

–

Scarlett was meticulous in her research — always starting what she finished. Even in her current awkward position, she would see her project through to the end under pressure.

“I’ve got a lecture at your school coming up. If you need anything, just reach out.”

Scarlett nodded silently, clearly worn out.

Back at school, Rebecca headed straight to the lab.

Her classmates rushed over.

“Rebecca, was that really James? Do you have any other pictures? Come on, show us!”

Rebecca smiled shyly. “Sorry, Scarlett was talking with him the whole time. I didn’t get a chance to snap a close–up.”

Everyone’s mood soured immediately.

“She’s the mistaken heiress

–

you’re the real one. Why do you keep letting her take over everything?”

“Exactly. She even accused you of stealing her research. Good thing we were there to back you up, or she would’ve dragged your name through the mud.”

“James is obviously here for your cancer research. And she just swooped in to take credit!”

“Yeah! Our lab mice trial only has fifteen days left — now she’s trying to fake her way in again!”

–

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of years!”

Just then, the lab door opened.

Professor Miller walked in, white coat swishing, glasses perched on his nose. Seeing the together, he frowned and cleared his throat.

“No one’s logging data? Just standing around slacking off?”

Everyone quickly lined up, heads down.

group huddled

Only Rebecca stepped forward, looking pitiful. “Professor Miller, don’t blame them. It’s my fault I couldn’t get James to stay. He was just too busy.”

Professor Miller adjusted his glasses, his expression warm. “You saw James? That rascal didn’t even call me when he got to Trenwyn.”

Rebecca lowered her head shyly. “Maybe he wanted to surprise you.”

Miller chuckled. He wouldn’t hold a grudge over something like that.

But…

A few months ago, Professor Hamilton from Jandale had called him, heavily hinting that a Ms. Joyner in his lab had great potential, and asking whether she could be invited to join their new lab.

Over the past two years, Rebecca had achieved impressive results – the field.

He didn’t want to let her go.

enough to elevate Miller’s status in

He hadn’t expected Hamilton to play dirty by sending his student to recruit her behind his back.

“Whatever James said, don’t forget the work already on your plate. By the way, Rebecca — where’s your paper? Let me take a look.”

Rebecca quickly handed him the documents she had prepared.

Miller skimmed them

–

and his eyes widened in shock.

“Rebecca, you never cease to amaze me. This is an entirely new cancer treatment? How long left on the mouse trial?”

“About fifteen days,” Rebecca answered immediately.

Miller was thrilled. If this drug succeeded, it could fill a major gap in the field of cancer medication. A true breakthrough.

“You really are a genius. This could win a national–level pharmaceutical prize. When the time comes, I’ll personally file the patent for you.”

Her classmates weren’t jealous at all

–

they cheered and congratulated her.

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Rebecca flushed modestly. “Thank you, Professor. Thank you, everyone.”

Miller handed the papers back, then scanned the room.

“Hmm? Someone’s missing. Where’s Scarlett?”

Rebecca, who had been basking in praise, stiffened for a moment. She quickly stepped back and lowered her head to make herself less visible.

“Rebecca, what’s wrong?” Miller noticed her change in demeanor and immediately grew concerned.

The others couldn’t take it anymore. They rushed to defend her.

“Professor Miller, while you were away on your exchange trip, Scarlett accused Rebecca of stealing her work.”

“We couldn’t stay quiet, so we all stood up for Rebecca. That’s why she moved into the small side room to work alone.”

Rebecca looked like she was about to cry. “Professor, I really didn’t copy her. We just happened to pick similar topics. If you don’t believe me, you can ask the school to investigate.”

Miller slammed his hand down on the desk, furious. “The thing I hate most in this world is academic fraud and petty drama. She dared to sabotage a fellow student? I won’t let this go!”

Rebecca quickly shook her head. “Please don’t be mad, Professor. I’m sure Scarlett had her reasons. Let’s just forget it, okay? I’m fine. I won’t hold a grudge.”

Her sweet and understanding attitude only made Miller feel more protective. “No need to defend her. Where is she? Tell her to get in here now!”

Scarlett had been delayed by James dragging her off to Jandale, so she’d arrived later than Rebecca.

She ended up hearing the whole performance right from the doorway.

“I’m here.”

Everyone spun around in shock.

They’d been so busy complaining, no one had noticed when she walked in.

She stepped forward calmly and faced Miller. “Professor Miller, welcome back from your exchange trip.”

Miller had once liked her. Scarlett was sharp and gifted

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