**Title: Broken by Destiny by George Orwell**
**Chapter 393: I Refuse**
The atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation as Brielle made the introductions. “Mr. Rolf, allow me to present Ms. Nygard. She’s a remarkable talent in pharmaceutical research, and I must say, they call her a once-in-a-century genius!”
With a sly smile, she turned to Amelia, her eyes glinting with mischief. “And Ms. Nygard, this is Mr. Rolf, a distinguished academician at the institute. Perhaps you both could engage in a discussion and exchange ideas?”
Brielle’s praise dripped with a veneer of sincerity, yet everyone present could sense her true intention: to publicly humiliate Amelia as a means of exacting revenge for her sister.
Within the circles of this industry, Rolf was notorious for his arrogance, his pride towering above all else. He was a man who rarely acknowledged anyone outside of his lofty expectations. Most individuals trembled at the thought of even capturing his fleeting attention, and those who dared to flaunt their skills in front of him often found themselves ruthlessly dismissed.
It was precisely this reputation that Brielle sought to exploit. She had orchestrated this encounter with the hope that Amelia would unwittingly step into Rolf’s trap, a situation ripe for embarrassment.
Amelia, until now, had been an observer, quietly absorbing the dynamics around her. The sudden shift thrust her into the spotlight, leaving her momentarily speechless. She wondered if perhaps she should consult an oracle about why trouble seemed to pursue her relentlessly, as if it had a personal vendetta against her.
“Oh? A once-in-a-century genius?” Rolf’s voice dripped with skepticism as he scrutinized Amelia. “Then I suppose I should take a closer look.”
His gaze roamed over her features, searching for something that would indicate the brilliance Brielle had touted. Yet, all he found was a calm and unassuming expression that did nothing to impress him.
Most people regarded him with a mixture of reverence and eagerness to please, but here stood a young woman, seemingly in her early twenties, utterly unfazed by his presence, as though meeting him was merely an everyday occurrence. The lack of deference irked him, igniting an immediate disdain for Amelia.
She did have a hint of familiarity about her, a fleeting recognition that tugged at his memory, but he quickly dismissed it. A person of her age, unknown in the industry, was likely just another individual buoyed by empty accolades. He had no intention of taking her seriously.
Yet, with a crowd gathering, he felt compelled to maintain a facade of politeness, as if he were doing her a favor by even acknowledging her existence.
“Young lady,” he began, his voice casual but laced with condescension, “since Brielle claims you possess such exceptional talent, why don’t I pose a few questions to you?”


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When the Dead Still Call