The Thorne Heiress Unveiling Shadow novel Chapter 44

Professor Albright summoned Evelyn to his office the next day. The small, cluttered room, usually a place of academic intimidation, felt different. The professor, who normally looked at his students with an air of bored disappointment, was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Miss Thorne," he began, forgoing all pleasantries. "An extraordinary opportunity has arisen."

He then laid out the details of the Blackwood Fellowship. He spoke of the immense prestige, the unlimited research budget, the access to Blackwood Industries' proprietary data, the personal mentorship from the top minds in the field. It was, for any student in the world, the opportunity of a lifetime, a golden ticket to the absolute pinnacle of the tech and finance industries.

Evelyn listened patiently, her expression calm and neutral. As Albright spoke, she was deconstructing Kaelen's strategy with the same cool precision she used on a line of code. This wasn't an academic offer; it was a beautifully crafted trap. A summons disguised as an honor. He was using the very structure of the university, the very concept of merit, to force her into a room with him. It was intelligent, it was elegant, and it was undeniably effective. She had to admit, she was impressed.

"The selection committee, which I am heading," Albright continued, "is mandated to choose the single most qualified candidate. And in my professional opinion, after reviewing your performance in my class and... other recent achievements... there is no other candidate. The fellowship is yours, if you want it."

Just then, the office door creaked open. It was Chloe, holding a stack of papers. "Sorry, Professor, you asked for these printouts..." Her voice trailed off as she saw Evelyn. "Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt."

Evelyn knew that refusing the offer would be far more suspicious than accepting it. It would signal fear, or that she had something to hide. Kaelen had backed her into a corner, but he had also presented her with an opportunity. An opportunity to meet her opponent on a battlefield of her own choosing.

She gently returned Chloe's hug. "Thank you, Professor," she said, her voice calm and steady as she looked at Albright over Chloe's shoulder. "I would be honored to accept the fellowship."

She pulled back from the hug, a small, determined smile on her face. It was time to stop playing defense. It was time to meet the Shark of Wall Street and see what he really wanted.