Chapter 2
Anger surged inside me, and I stormed out of the library to find James.
He saw my face and froze for a second. "Vanessa? What's wrong?"
"Did you mess with my competition account?" I cut him off.
James's smile faltered. "Yeah, I did that."
He reached for my hand, but I yanked it away.
He sighed, like he was dealing with a clueless kid. "With our families, we've got endless options. We don't need some competition slot to pad our resumes.
"But Sophie? She's not like us.
"She's got nothing. Her parents are gone, and she's surviving on part-time jobs and scholarships.
"This competition means everything to her. If she wins, she can get a better scholarship. For us, it's icing on the cake, but for her, it's her only hope."
James looked at me, his eyes so sincere they almost seemed innocent. "Come on, let's help her out. Don't make a fuss. Let her have it."
I was so angry that I could almost laugh, my chest rising and falling with rage. "You know exactly how much work I've put into this.
"I've spent nearly a year on this competition, reading tons of papers, running endless data. And now you casually tell me to give up and hand my spot to her?
"So because Sophie has nothing, I'm supposed to let her take everything I have without a fight?"
He looked at me, all fired up, like I was being dramatic. "Why are you being so petty? We've got more than enough. Shouldn't we help out a classmate?"
I stared at the guy I'd loved for years, and suddenly he felt like a total stranger. He was so absurd that I almost wanted to laugh.
I took a deep breath and said, "James, you're not some savior.
"And you have no right to use my things to play the hero.
"Let's break up."
With that, I turned and walked away, not looking back.
*****
After leaving the registrar's office, I was holding the reinstatement form.
Before I could even shake off the frustration, Sophie blocked my way.
Her eyes were so swollen they looked like walnuts, and the moment she opened her mouth, tears poured out. "I'm really sorry. I heard everything from James.
"Please don't blame him. He's a good guy. He only wanted to help me too much."
She bowed deeply to me, making everyone passing by stop and stare.
She said, "I'm not good enough. My family's got no money or connections, so I have to depend on other people's charity.
"I don't deserve this chance, and I shouldn't even dare to hope for it."
Every word out of her mouth was to paint herself as helpless and innocent.
After her performance was over, I finally said, "Then why don't you quit?"
She stood there, looking confused, like she didn't get what I meant.
I stared straight at her and said, "If you really think you don't deserve it, then quit right now. If you want it, earn it yourself."
Panic and shock flickered in her eyes. She tried to speak, but the words wouldn't come.
The crowd around us went quiet, everyone watching her, waiting for her next move.
Her face went pale, then red, but she couldn't force herself to say she'd give up.
Watching her squirm like that, I couldn't help but laugh to myself.
"Can't do it?" I shot back, full of sarcasm. "Then stop crying about how you don't deserve it while hanging onto someone else's charity like your life depends on it."
As I walked away, I heard James's anxious voice behind me. "Sophie, what are you doing here? Did Vanessa mess with you again?"
Her sobs got even more desperate, broken up by gasps. "No, it's not Vanessa's fault. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have tried"
I didn't look back.
The sun was almost blinding, but I felt strangely relieved inside.
*****
A few days later, for our group project, I got stuck on the same team with James and Sophie.
James was helping Sophie with the project, but he couldn't stop watching me the whole time.
To him, I was acting like a spoiled kid. He probably thought I didn't mean the breakup at all.
I ignored him and started gathering everything I needed for my applications to top schools abroad.
Project printouts were scattered across the table.
James walked over and caught sight of all the paperwork on my desk.
His face changed in a flash, and his voice went tense. "Vanessa, where are you going? What's all this?"
I stared back at him, calm and silent.
Then, as if something clicked, he let out a big sigh of relief.
His voice softened, almost teasing. "Thinking about running off on another trip, huh? Is it because I've been too busy for you lately?
"Once this project's done, I'll take you anywhere you want, okay? Don't pout."
He put the application form back on the table and reached out to ruffle my hair.
I turned my head away.
*****
Not long after, the department set up a hands-on project that required us to intern at a company in our field.
Among all the companies related to our major, Wynn Group was undoubtedly the best platform.
At the meeting, James didn't even hesitate. Right in front of our advisor, he turned to me and said, "Vanessa, Sophie doesn't have much internship experience, and this opportunity is really important for her.
"Are there still spots available at your family's company? Could you help Sophie get an internship there too?"
The room went dead silent for a moment.
I almost thought I'd misheard him.
"What did you say?" I asked, puzzled.
James looked a bit uncomfortable under my stare, but he pressed on. "I'm saying, let Sophie intern at Wynn Group.
"Vanessa, we've got all these resources. Shouldn't we help people out? For you, it's a matter of saying the word."
His self-righteous look almost made me burst out laughing.
Wynn Group's projects deal with real operations and millions of dollars moving around. Even seasoned pros have to tread carefully.
Just because he said "helping out," did he think he could shove a complete rookie into the middle of all that?
"Fine," I said. Both James and Sophie looked delighted.
I continued, "But if this project loses money or screws up in any way, you'll be on the hook for every cent.
"And you'll have to sign a legally binding guarantee. If you agree, she can start her internship right now."
James hesitated, but Sophie quickly waved her hands, her eyes shining with excitement. "No, that's asking too much of you. I can't—"
"Alright. I'll do it." James cut her off, agreeing without a second thought.
He gave me this self-satisfied look, like he was silently bragging, "See how big-hearted I am?"
James said, "Vanessa, I know you're testing me. I'm willing to take full responsibility for Sophie. Happy now?"
Seeing how Sophie could barely hide her excitement, I nodded with a straight face.
I had the legal department bring over the agreement right away.
When James signed it without hesitation, I smirked.
Since he was so eager to play the hero, he should not come crying to me later.