Chapter 7
1721words
The bells of Mount Covenant Academy rang for me one last time, as sunlight streamed through the ancient stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the hall. Dressed in my black graduation gown, I stood among the graduates, my gaze involuntarily drifting toward the family section.
Mother Sophia sat in the third row, where Leila had "thoughtfully" arranged for her to be in the most conspicuous spot.
After ten years, though Mother's face showed traces of time, with the help of expensive medications, she looked much better than she had during the same period in my previous life. She wore a light purple outfit, her favorite color from her youth.
When I looked at her, she immediately responded with a proud smile, but the melancholy hidden deep in her eyes was like a thin fog that could never dissipate.
Leila was sitting next to my mother, wearing a champagne-colored haute couture suit, looking as perfect as if she had stepped out of a fashion magazine. She was elegantly conversing with the wife of a European Federation senator seated nearby, her every gesture exuding the composure of high society. The scene was deeply ironic—my father's mistress was attending my graduation ceremony in the role of the hostess.
"The Vance family truly produces exceptional talent," came a whispered voice from nearby. "I heard this young lady has made significant contributions in the field of bioinformatics."
Another voice responded, "Though I heard she chose to return to Radiance City to develop her career, which was quite unexpected."
I pretended not to hear these discussions and focused my attention on the ceremony proceedings.
When the dean called my name, I walked steadily onto the stage and accepted the weighty diploma. I had waited too long for this moment. Not just for this piece of paper, but for the freedom and opportunities it represented.
After the ceremony ended, the crowd began to surge. Leila came to my side immediately, displaying an impeccable smile. "Elara, congratulations." She stepped forward and gently embraced me, her movements as fluid as if rehearsed countless times, "Your father is proud of you, but unfortunately the 'Dome Project' is at a critical stage, and he simply couldn't get away."
I returned an equally standard smile. "Thank you, Ms. Croft. Thank you for taking care of me all these years." I deliberately emphasized the words "taking care," our gazes briefly clashing in the air, with mutual understanding.
She elegantly stepped aside, introducing a middle-aged man with a stern demeanor beside her. "This is Dr. Marcus Thorne, Vice President of Research and Development at Omega Genesis. He thinks very highly of your paper on neurodegenerative diseases."
Marcus Thorne extended his hand, his eyes behind the glasses sharp as a hawk's. "Ms. Vance, your research on non-coding RNA regulatory mechanisms is impressive. Particularly inspiring is the potential therapeutic pathway for a certain inherited neurological disorder."
My heart sank slightly. An Omega executive approaching me directly and specifically mentioning content related to "Heartblight" couldn't be coincidence. Was this Leila's probe, or an assessment authorized by my father? Or perhaps Omega's own interest in my research findings?
I humbly shook his hand. "You're too kind, Dr. Thorne. That was merely theoretical exploration, still far behind Omega's cutting-edge applied research."
"Theory is the foundation of practice," Dr. Thorne said meaningfully. "Omega has always valued collaboration with academia. If you're interested, you might consider joining our research team after graduation."
This was an enticing olive branch, but could also be a dangerous trap. I maintained my smile, "I'll consider it seriously. After all, the Vance Group and Omega have always been important partners."
Just then, my mother walked over. Her steps were somewhat slow, but her eyes were bright. "Elara, my child…" her voice choked as she opened her arms to embrace me. This hug was a bit more solid than I remembered; the medication maintenance was clearly working.
"Mom, I did it," I said softly, feeling her warm temperature. At this moment, all calculations and pretenses temporarily faded away, and I was just a daughter proud of her mother.
Leila skillfully interjected, "Sophia, look how excellent Elara is. If Cassius could see this with his own eyes, he would be even more gratified."
Mother's smile faded a little, but remained composed. "Yes, Elara has always been excellent." She gently held my hand, "No matter what path she chooses."
For the next few hours, we took commemorative photos around the academy. Leila arranged for a professional photographer to capture this "important moment." I cooperated by posing in various ways, while mentally planning my next steps.
In the evening, we had a graduation dinner at a restaurant near the academy. Leila had reserved the entire top floor, which offered the most beautiful view of Mount Covenant. The table was filled with exquisite dishes, but the atmosphere was subtly suffocating.
"What specific plans do you have after graduation?" Marcus Thorne asked during the meal, seemingly casual but full of probing.
I put down my cutlery and replied in a calm tone: "I plan to return to Radiance City first, to learn about my father's business. After all, I've been away for ten years, and there's much I need to learn."
Leila continued the conversation: "Cassius indeed hopes that Elara can gradually get involved with the group's business. Especially now that the 'Dome Project' has entered a critical stage, it needs fresh blood to join in."
I noticed mother's hand trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Elara has her own judgment, she will make the right choice." Mother's voice was soft, but carried an unquestionable firmness.
After dinner, it was time for the real farewell. Caleb and Isabella had grown into teenagers, and under Leila's carefully arranged education, they were elegant in manner and proper in speech, but still retained the innocence appropriate to their age in their eyes.
"Sister Elara, will you come back to see us in the future?" Isabella tugged at the hem of my clothes, her eyes moist. After ten years together, this half-sister had developed genuine feelings for me.
Caleb seemed more restrained, but his eyes similarly revealed reluctance. "We'll make good use of the holographic projectors you gave us."
I crouched down to meet their gaze and handed them two specially customized holographic projectors. "Of course I will. With these, we can stay in touch anytime." I deliberately softened my voice, "You must study hard, especially knowledge in biotechnology. The Vance Group might need your talents in the future."
This was half-truth and half-lie, partly to comfort them, but also laying groundwork for closely observing any "special qualities" they might possess in the future. Leila placed extreme importance on the children's education, particularly in science and technology fields, which made me think of the "Prometheus' Child" project.
Finally, I turned to Leila, my voice clear and firm: "Ms. Croft, thank you for your hospitality all these years. I believe Radiance City and my father's work need me more now, especially the 'Dome Project'."
I stared intently at her eyes, and indeed captured a fleeting moment of stiffness. Although she quickly covered it with a perfect smile: "Of course, Elara. Your father has been looking forward to your return to help. The flight tickets and accommodations have already been arranged."
During the flight back to Radiance City, I looked at the rolling sea of clouds outside the window, feeling unprecedented calmness within. After ten years of preparation, it was finally time to take action. I didn't return directly to the Vance family estate, nor did I immediately report to the group headquarters.
In the most prosperous financial district of Radiance City, I had rented a luxury apartment in advance. It was only a ten-minute drive from the Vance Group headquarters, but completely under my control. The first thing after moving in was to initiate the plan I had secretly prepared for many years.
I contacted several key connections established through encrypted channels during my time at Mount Covenant Academy. Arnold Lee, the independent researcher who was suppressed for his studies on conditions similar to "Heartblight," is now my trusted partner. Through him, I've established a small but efficient research network focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
"Elara, are you sure you want to do this?" Arnold asked in our encrypted communication, his voice filled with concern, "Once we begin, there's no turning back."
"I've had no way back for ten years already," I answered calmly, "Initiate the 'Dawn Project,' allocate all resources according to the predetermined plan."
The "Dawn Project" is a secret research initiative I established to treat my mother's illness. On the surface, it appears to be an ordinary medical charity fund, but in reality, it is my core force in the fight against "Heartblight."
Over ten years, through complex financial operations, I transferred part of the "Starlight Trust Fund" into this project, which now possesses substantial research capabilities.
Simultaneously, I launched a professional disguise plan. Utilizing all my anonymous connections and funding channels established overseas, I created a brand new identity for myself—"Allison White." This identity had a perfect yet inconspicuous background: a young biotechnology analyst from an ordinary middle-class family in the European Federation, with excellent academic achievements and ambitious goals.
With a meticulously crafted analytical report featuring incisive viewpoints that "coincidentally" predicted a future minor technological trend, "Allison White" successfully secured a position at "Future Life Technologies," a recently acquired subsidiary of the Vance Group. The position was junior project analyst, with average pay, but offering opportunities to access the group's cutting-edge research projects.
The night before starting my new job, I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of my apartment, overlooking the dazzling night view of Radiance City. This city was once my childhood playground, later became a source of painful memories, and now, it is my battlefield.
My phone rang with a message from my mother: "Did you arrive safely? Is everything okay?"
I replied: "Everything is fine, mom. Soon, everything will get better."
The moment I hit send, I knew the game had officially begun. I would start from the very bottom, like a drop of water merging into the ocean, silently infiltrating the blood vessels of this behemoth. This time, I won't let anyone control my destiny.
