Chapter 4

【As long as there’s Leader Xavier, tomorrow’s competition is sure to win!】

She stood beside Xavier, holding his hand tightly, eyes bright with excitement as though victory was already hers.

Xavier didn’t refuse, allowing her to hold his hand, face carrying a faint smile.

That moment chilled me to the bone —it was like thinking you had full marks, only to realize every answer was wrong.

The crash in my heart made breathing almost impossible.

Anger howled within me like a mad wolf, a force rampaging through my chest, nearly tearing my reason apart.

I almost wanted to reach through the communication stone and slap that girl to the ground, to vent the fury and humiliation inside me.

But after years with Xavier, I had learned his way of handling things: calmness, restraint. Slowly, that rationality brought me back.

He had once said:

“Never waste time and energy on someone who isn’t worth it.”

His voice seemed to echo in my ears, helping me regain direction.

I saved the video and screenshots and returned to campus alone.

The air felt heavy; my steps dragged.

The trees along the path swayed in the wind, as if whispering, but I had no heart to listen.

A whole day and night passed — no message from Xavier, no explanation, as though he had vanished.

The next day, at the competition, he accompanied Lilian into the hall.

They walked side by side; Lilian clung to his arm, smiling brightly —

as if they were the destined pair.

From not far away, I watched, emotions mixed and bitter.

Then Xavier seemed to notice me — confusion flickered in his eyes.

"Did you participate in the competition too?" "

His voice hoarse, faintly weary.

I met his gaze, my voice trembling:

“I told you a month ago.”

He had simply not remembered.

That careless attitude froze my heart.

During the contest, I easily defeated Lilian.

Her project was full of loopholes, her data groundless; she kept making mistakes — wrong reagent ratios, chaotic procedures.

Victory came almost effortlessly.

But when it was announced, I felt no joy, only relief.

Lilian turned pale, hiding in a corner, silently wiping tears.

“Xavier, I’m sorry! I’m useless… I let you down.”

Her sobbing voice was thick with guilt and remorse.

Xavier consoled her coldly — face stern, yet eyes showing a trace of concern.

“It’s okay. You did well enough.”

His voice deep and calm, meant to reassure her.

Yara folded her arms, smirking.

“So there are things even Xavier can’t manage. Looks like today belongs to Nora!”

Her voice rang out clear in the quiet hall; people turned to look, whispering among themselves.