Sparkling Girl
Chapter 14 The Mask Fell Off
Hazel and Luna were both gloed to that figure.
No way that could’ve happened! Belan’s fists tightened, his mind racing. He knew what it meant if Zoey really was Dr. K. He couldn’t call off the engagement.
But how could she be the famosis Dr. K?
The press conference was dead silent. Everyone was waiting for the gel to turn around. As she did, her long hair swayed, first showing a small, white chin, then luscious lips
And then–a white mask with golden, mysterious patterns. It matched her vihe perfectly, adding a touch of nobility to her mystery.
She walked slowly and calmly, with elegance in every step. The host tepped aside to let her pass.
She was tall, almost as tall as the five–foot–seven sust.
“Hello, everyone.” Her clear voice was slightly hoarse, with an allure that made people want to hear more.
The King Family members sighed in relief. It wasn’t Zory. The voice was totally different.
Thanks for coming to L
today’s press conference. After discussions, we’ve decided to collaborate with Universal Group. With that, she turned and left the stage, leaving the audience in shock.
people’s
Zoey hadn’t wanted to be at this press conference. She preferred to bury herself in research, avoiding the spotlight. As for pe doubts… leave those to the old professors; they were good at handling that stuff.
Everyone thought Dr. K would give a long speech, notebooks ready, but she said one sentence and left.
This was too cool!
As Dr. K left, the crowd wanted to follow her backstage, but bodyguards and old professors stopped them. They could only watch hep disappear.
Zoey headed for the back door but was blocked at the backstage entrance. She looked at the King Family members with a half–smile.
Timothy spoke up. “Dr. K, I heard your institute is recruiting new students this year. This is my daughter, Luna, she’s top of her class…
Hazel chimed in, “Yes, yes, Luna is also beautiful, she could be the face of the institute.”
Zoey almost laughed at Hazel’s ignorance.
The institute wasn’t for socializing. People were buried in research, sometimes not washing for days. But as long as they solved research problems, everyone was happy. Who needed a spokesperson?
Luna stood in front of her, a hit nervous but mostly confident. “Dr. I hope you can accept me into the institute. I’ll study hard and diligently. I believe I can surpass your achievements and become your proudest student!”
Zoey didn’t know where she got her confidence from. “No.” A blunt refusal.
Timothy was shocked and puzzled, “Why? Luna is really excellent!”
“Dr. K. I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation!” Luna bit her lip, looking humiliated.
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Chapter 14 The Mask Fell Off
“Half a y
a year ago, the institute was recruiting externally, and your submitted a project,” Zony had some free time and looked through it, and she saw Lama’s submission, “Do you want me to explain what plagiarism in?”
Lana’s face turned white instantly. Timothy and his wife also turned sale. In any industry, plagiarism was a big no no, especially in research.
“That paper was published on a platform three years ago as a rejected draft. Zoey had thought the paper was too poor and published it as a negative example. Luna hnd copied it.
“But wasn’t it a rejected draft? If you don’t use it, cant others? Luna argued, feeling wronged.
“Taking without asking is stealing. Zoey snapped, annoyed by Lamas tears and fake Innocence. She pushed her aside and turned to leave.
Brian, however, wasn’t ready to give up. He chased after her, babbling. Dr. K, what about me? Our group really wants to work with you. If you give us this chance, we can provide financial support and meet any of your needs!”
“No need, she replied, still firms.
Brian, unwilling to let it go, tried to pester her further, but a tall man suddenly appeared. He was a head taller than Brian, with bloodthirsty, sharp eyes under his thick hair. “Stop.”
Brian felt a chill run down his spine, as if he was being stared at by a predator. His feet felt glued to the ground. Who is this guy?”
he wondered.
In the audience, Benjamin muttered, “Zoey was right, how did she know Dr. K. would collaborate with Universal Group? Henry, do
you think…”
He turned around and found his friend had vanished.
Zoey quickened her pace in the corridor but suddenly heard steady, silent footsteps behind her. Someone skilled in martial arts was following her.
Zoey discreetly sped up, but the footsteps kept close. She was about to reach the back door. Once outside, she could shake off the person, but there were many reporters outside, making it risky
Zoey aimed for a corner and turned into it.
The footsteps paused slightly.
The cold, long eyes flashed with a dark light, and he followed without hesitation.
The next second, a long leg came sweeping through the air!
He stopped, and raised his hand to block. The leg felt soft but strong his hand shook slightly as he lowered it.
His hands were numb.
In the silent corridor, the tall man and the slender woman stood facing each other.
The long eyes hidden under the blond hair flashed with amusement Dr. K, why do you always pick a fight when we meet?”
Zoey curled her lips, I should ask you, Mr. Phillips, why are you following me?”
Henry lowered his eyes, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, his smile reducing some of his sharpness. “I’m really curious about you, Dr. K. It’s not often we meet. How about we take some time to talk about working together?”
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Chapter 14 The Mask Fell Off
“No need, someone else will come to discuss cooperation with you,”
Henry
didn’t give up easily. “Then how about we find a place to sit and have a cup of tea? I’ve always admired you, Dr. K.”
“No need for tea, I have things to do.”
“Dr. K. why are you keeping me at arm’s length? Don’t misunderstand. I have ho ulterior motives, I just want to get to know you? Henry’s handsome face looked very sincere. But in just a few words, he had subtly closed the distance.
Zoey stared at the ground beneath his feet, “If you come any closer, don’t blame me for being rude.”
Henry lazily curled his lips, losing his coldness, looking somewhat raguish, “Dr. K, don’t be so cold, let’s talk… As he spoke, he reached out to grab Zoey’s mask.
How could Zoey let him succeed? She immediately dodged, and Henry immediately countered, aiming for her shoulder.
As she dodged, his hand slid down her shoulder, pinning her arm.
This move… it seems familiar, Zoey thought. Her arm shook, slipping out of his grasp like a snake.
A flash of surprise crossed Henry’s eyes, increasing his interest.
One kept pestering, trying to grab the mask. The other kept dodging, keeping it out of reach.
In just a few breaths, they exchanged several moves. Zory, eager to escape, couldn’t help but hit harder, punching Henry in the abdomen.
Unexpectedly, Henry didn’t retreat but advanced, grabbing her maski
Damn! He deliberately exposed a weakness, willing to get hurt to remove her mask, but when Zoey tried to dodge, it was too late.
The next second, the mask was taken off and fell to the ground.
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