Second Chances

Chapter 26 

The annual welcome party for freshmen at Vark College was always a grand affair, and this year, it was taking place on a luxurious cruise ship. 

As several girls in evening gowns climbed aboard the cruise, they chatted animatedly, “I heard there’s going to be a ton of delicious food tonight. Even the cakes are made by a Michelin–starred chef! Wow, the college is really going all out this time!” 

“All you think about is food. I heard this year’s welcome party is different from the usual!” another girl chimed in. 

“Oh? What’s so different?” 

“This year’s gala is combined with competitions from many schools, including the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination!” 

“Holy cow! Isn’t that the biggest annual event in Vark College? The participants are all top–tier geniuses!” 

“Exactly. Rumor has it that the first prize winner of this year’s competition will receive a 400 thousand dollars scholarship fund from the college’s investors for studying abroad!” 

Emma was here today to participate in this competition because she knew the person she was looking for would be there, too. At this moment, she stood in the middle of the luxurious cruise ship’s banquet hall, holding a glass of juice. 

She juggled conversations with those approaching her, her eyes wandering through the crowd. Suddenly, she spotted her target. “I’ve found him,” Emma whispered into the invisible microphone by her ear. 

A voice crackled in her earpiece. “Boss, I got the info you wanted. Vere’s parents passed away last week, and their house was mortgaged. He’s in a do–or–die situation, aiming for that scholarship to further his studies.” 

Hearing this, Emma pursed her crimson lips. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

In her previous life, Vere was the student with the smartest genius at Vark College and also the record holder in the school’s history. However, when he was 18, his parents tragically passed away in a plane crash. Once from a decent family, he suddenly lost the chance to study abroad. Despite participating in this competition in his past life, aiming for a scholarship, he was defeated due to excessive grief over his parents‘ death and malicious interference from competitors. 

Emma was in dire need of a talent like Vere, and she couldn’t stand to see a genius go to waste, so she approached him with a drink in hand. 

In the corner, Vere hunched over, staring at his phone. Dressed in a suit and tie, he wasn’t too fond of such an event. His amber eyes were glued to the phone screen, which displayed an intricate financial analysis model. 

“Hey, are you joining the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination later?” The sudden voice of a young girl caused Vere to look up. 

Upon seeing Emma’s face, Vere instantly turned cold. “If you’re here to warn me because you’re afraid I’ll snatch your first place, you can 

scram now.” 

Emma’s reputation at Vark College had been weird lately; she just got her half–sister locked up behind bars and took down Ruby Cruz. It was easily misunderstood that she was here to pick a fight. 

“Humph, if I want to take the first place, I’ll fight for it fair and square, not with shady tricks.” With that, Emma looked at Vere. “I’m here just to let you know that I’ll be participating in the upcoming competition, too. So, you better bring your A–game, buddy. I’m pretty darn good.” Finishing, she gave a graceful little laugh and sashayed off with her juice. 

“What a narcissist!” Vere muttered, glancing at his phone with a smirk. In all his years at Vark College, not a single soul had ever bested him. ‘Does she really think she can get me to bring my A–game? In her wildest dreams!‘ He sneered. 

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12:57 Fri, 5 Jul 

After the ceremony, the evening’s festivities kicked off one by one. Among them, the most anticipated event was the annual Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination. 

“Hey, y’all know that Vere is gonna compete in this year’s Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination, right?” Backstage at the competition, all the contestants were buzzing about it. 

Hearing that name, a lot of the competitors were freaking out. “Oh my gosh! Vere Hurlbutt! He’s totally gonna snag first place. We’re all just cannon fodder, aren’t we?” 

“Yeah, we’re just fighting for the spots after him… second, third, fourth…” 

“My parents said as long as I get any ranking, they’ll buy me a car! I just have to snag a spot this time,” said a blonde girl. 

“Wow, you’re loaded!” one girl replied in jealousy. 

The blonde girl smirked proudly, and then she spotted Emma. Her eyes widened in shock as if she’d seen an alien. “Isn’t that Emma? What’s she doing here?” 

Participants in the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination usually started training a year in advance. Individuals like Emma, who suddenly signed up for the competition without prior preparation, were unprecedented in history. 

“An average student wants to join the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination? Those are the toughest advanced math problems out there. Is she here to cause trouble or just mess things up?” the blonde girl taunted Emma directly. “Emma, this isn’t a sports field where you can just throw a few punches and win. I suggest you quit while you still can. We’re all international math competition award–winners, and you are gonna suffer when you can’t solve a single problem!” 

Emma calmly took out a mirror, straightened her hair, and didn’t even glance at the blonde girl. 

Witnessing Emma’s attitude, the blonde instantly became furious. “We’re talking to you. Are you deaf?” 

With a click, Emma put the mirror away. She stared at the blonde girl with a cold face. “Sorry, I already signed up for it, and you won’t even get the lowest ranking. Get lost!” Her imposing aura made a few girls instinctively take a step back. 

Only after watching her leave with her head held high did everyone start to fume. “Damn, how can she be so shameless!” 

“Don’t think that she can compare with us just because she scored over 1500 on the SAT! The math problems in the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination are not on the same level as those in regular exams!” another one added. 

“Exactly! Let’s crush her in the test later and make her finish dead last!” 

“She needs to be taught a lesson!” 

Finally, the announcement sounded, and the contestants began to enter the competition venue. 

When the classmates saw the newly added Emma on the list, they were also surprised. 

“Hey, isn’t that Emma?” 

“Is she going to participate in the Vark Invitational Mathematics Examination too?” 

“Are you sure she’s not just messing around?” 

Emma ignored the chatter around her and sat down in her seat. And right across from her was none other than Vere. 

She was dressed in a gown, her hair up in a high–bun, revealing her sexy and creamy neck, her smile poised and elegant. “Hey, Mr. Hurlbutt, 

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12:57 Fri, 5 Jul 

what a coincidence. We meet again.” 

Vere was booting up his computer at this time. At the sight of her calm face, he was slightly surprised. After all, this was the biggest competition at Vark College. Many students stayed up all night reviewing and practicing problems in preparation for it. In contrast, Emma 

looked so relaxed, even without any preparation. 

“Focus on answering the questions later; don’t disturb mel” Vere instantly pegged her as a troublemaker and responded with extreme 

coldness. 

Asmile left Emma’s lips. “Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you. But that doesn’t mean others won’t,” Emma said, pausing intentionally at this point.