It meant they could leave the research institute sooner than planned.
Once they left, they would no longer be able to discuss the results publicly.
Though they had contributed to the country, their safety had to come first. They wouldn’t be bragging about their achievements.
Instead, they’d become nationally protected professors, holding a kind of passport to safety and privilege.
On the day they left the research institute, Shermaine stood outside, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the strange yet familiar
surroundings.
For a moment, it truly felt like she was stepping out of a secluded world.
Nikki had insisted on dragging Shermaine to meet her family, the Jamesons.
Shermaine hadn’t expected them to be so wealthy. Looking at the small estate before her, Shermaine was taken aback. “Nikki,
you came from a rich family? I didn’t see that coming.”
Nikki huffed, half–pouting in mock annoyance. “That’s because I don’t like showing off. Plus, I have my own goals in life. Eddie and I both chose this path because we refused to take over the family business. You have no idea how troublesome it’s been for
Us.”
Shermaine couldn’t help but laugh at that.
1/2
+15 BONUS
When she met Nikki and Eddie’s parents, she found them incredibly warm and welcoming, and they immediately treated
Shermaine like their own daughter.
They even invited her to attend a gala later that evening, expressing their gratitude for Shermaine’s care of Nikki over the past
five years and suggesting that they formally make her their goddaughter.
However, Eddie vehemently disagreed with the idea.
“Gratitude is one thing, but making her a goddaughter? That’s a bit much. Besides, Ms. Stout doesn’t care for such things.”
Shermaine, standing nearby, nodded in agreement.
It was clear that they had to drop the idea, and instead, they suggested that Shermaine use the event as an opportunity to meet
more people in their social circle.
Nikki and her mother, Trish Jameson, practically dragged Shermaine off to try on dresses, their enthusiasm so relentless that Shermaine didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Before long, the evening banquet began.
Shermaine, however, barely made an appearance before excusing herself from Trish’s side. She needed a break and hoped to find
a quiet corner where she could sit and catch her breath.
But just as she was about to settle down, someone’s hand clamped tightly around her wrist.
“Shermaine!”
The voice was sharp and urgent, cutting through the noise of the gathering like a blade.
