Not wanting to be left out, another interjected, “Elliana, I’m from Carrington University. You’ll receive free tuition and accommodation here, plus a $300,000 scholarship. We’d be lucky to have you!” Competition among the admissions officers reached a fever pitch. The entire living room buzzed with energy as everyone tried to stand out.
Hardly able to keep from laughing, Elliana felt both delighted and a little flustered. “I appreciate your kindness, but I’ve already set my heart on a particular university.”
Suddenly, not a single voice dared to break the stillness in the room. Every admissions officer leaned forward, silently wishing that Elliana’s answer would be in their favor.
With a gentle smile, Elliana met their eyes and declared firmly, “Ublento Medical University is where I want to go most.”
Upon hearing this, the admissions officer from Ublento Medical University eagerly stepped ahead. “Elliana, welcome to Ublento Medical University. I can’t wait to see you rise as our brightest new student.”
Another officer, representing Eldridge University, struggled to hide his disappointment. “Elliana, you should know that our medical school stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ublento Medical University. Why not give us a chance?”
Her answer came without hesitation. “I’ve heard Milena is partnering with Ublento Medical University. I would love the chance to meet her, so that’s the school I’ll be choosing.”
No retort came from the Eldridge University officer. He had nothing left to argue. Milena’s supposed connection to Ublento Medical University was something other schools could only envy. Since Elliana’s decision hinged on Milena, there was simply no contest.
Pure satisfaction shone on the face of the Ublento Medical University’s admissions officer. “Elliana, are you aware of the project Milena will be working on with our university?”
G3t th3 r34l st0r￥ @ g4ln0v3ls.c0m
Curiosity sparked in Elliana’s eyes. “I’d really like to know.”
The admissions officer’s pride was unmistakable. “We’re teaming up with Milena to find a cure for Psychephrenia!”
Elliana froze. Someone was out there pretending to be Milena—her discreet identity—and now claiming to solve Psychephrenia. Who could that impostor possibly be?
Psychephrenia was a mental disorder caused by a rare toxin that triggered genetic mutations. There was no cure, no treatment, and no record of recovery in medical history. Only a few hundred cases had been documented around the world. Because the illness was so rare and its cause difficult to trace, doctors had barely scratched the surface in terms of research.
That was why Elliana had been so intrigued when she discovered Psychephrenia-related research in the chip her mother left behind. What had driven her mother to study such an obscure disease? And now, with this fake Milena suddenly claiming to work on curing Psychephrenia, she couldn’t help but wonder—was there a hidden agenda behind it all? If so, who was the real target? Was it Cole, the one carrying the gene? Or was it her?
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