Chapter 364 Declared my Claim
"Oh?" Professor Evans cocked an eyebrow. "Since we're teaming up, fairness, justice, and transparency are a must. Any issues will be ironed out in the contract after we hash things out. If Ms. Taylor has extra demands, they'll need to go through the school admin. Ms. Taylor, why don't you lay it out? Whether it flies or not is up to the school," he said, cool as a cucumber.
Anyone who knew Professor Evans could tell he was ticked off.
The Evans family was a big deal nationwide, way above the Taylor family, who had to move north to dodge trouble, in both status and legacy.
At such a crucial meeting, Jenny, just some nobody from the Taylor family, had the nerve to throw in extra conditions. This wasn't just a slap in the face to National Capital University but also a diss to Professor Evans and a challenge to the Evans family.
So, yeah, it made sense that Professor Evans was pissed.
He sat there, calm as ever, waiting for Jenny to spill her request, while Brad stayed cool and serious, eyes glued to the documents in front of him.
The storm of anger and panic in my chest started to calm down. Brad had this calming vibe.
I thought, 'It's cool; I'm not alone. At least Brad's got my back, and we'll figure this out.'
Jenny said, "Alright, I'll cut to the chase. Mr. Brad is the main guy for this project. During the contract period, we'll need to be in touch a lot. I want to set up an office space on the National Capital University campus or somewhere the school approves, so Brad and I can work together until the project's done perfectly."
I thought, 'Jenny wants to keep Brad close, always in her sight, hoping he'll fall for her. So that's her game! Jenny's got no shame.'
Thinking about it, her push to team up with National Capital University wasn't some spur-of-the-moment thing but a long-planned scheme.
Jenny'd gone all out and schemed hard to get Brad!
That kind of Jenny made my anger boil over. In a heated moment, I was about to jump up and argue, but Professor Evans subtly stopped me. "Think of the bigger picture."
Professor Evans was right. In such a big and formal setting, any rash move on my part would embarrass National Capital University, no matter my intentions. No one would care about the hidden reasons behind it.
I fought to keep my cool. While I could argue with Jenny personally, publicly, I couldn't mess up the collaboration between both parties.
Evans said, "National Capital University has no such precedent. Having one or two shared offices is no big deal, but a dedicated collaborative workspace isn't really necessary."
Jenny laughed heartily. "Professor Evans, my proposal is purely for the project's sake, with no other intentions. Moreover," she raised her eyes, looking towards Brad and me, though her words were aimed at Professor Evans, they were meant for Brad and me. "My proposal doesn't break any rules or norms, nor does it cross any lines. It's all for the sake of collaboration. I hope you'll consider it."
Jenny's words were all official and polished, like she had no hidden agenda and was just thinking about the project. But everyone there was sharp; despite the suddenness and the unknown cause, it was clear there was more going on.
I dropped my head, hiding the hatred burning in my eyes.
Brad's eyes narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin, angry line. His gaze was icy, filled with rage.
I clenched my fists so hard it hurt, the pain keeping me grounded, stopping me from pointing at Jenny and cussing her out.
Professor Evans looked at Jenny for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled. "Given the importance of this collaboration, rejecting the proposal might seem petty. So, I'll pass your request to the university admin. The final call is theirs."
Professor Evans played it perfectly, distancing himself from the mess. Whatever happened next, it would be the school's decision, not his.
Jenny nodded, all smiles, and shook hands with Professor Evans, wishing each other a smooth collaboration.
As Jenny was wheeled to the conference room door by her lackeys, she casually turned her head, smirking at Brad and me.
Her look was loaded with mockery and provocation, a clear declaration of her intent.
I thought, 'What makes Jenny think she can just snatch my boyfriend?'
Like a protective wolf, I instinctively stepped in front of Brad, glaring back at Jenny.
Brad, being the awesome partner he was, wrapped his big hand around my waist, pulling me close.
At that moment, we were like one, leaning on each other.
I declared my claim over Brad to Jenny; Brad's actions told her that his embrace and love were all mine, Jane's.
We held each other, our shadows on the wall, tightly intertwined.
Jenny was stunned, her eyes zeroing in on Brad's hand around my waist, her expression turning nasty. She quickly raised her head, smiling viciously, and silently mouthed a warning to me, "You can't escape my trap; just wait and see."
I thought, 'Jenny, stealing someone else's boyfriend and still so cocky!'
My hatred and anger had never been this intense.
If I were truly a wolf, I would've pounced and ripped her throat out.
But the fact is, I'm not a wolf. I couldn't ruin my life for someone unworthy. But I would protect Brad in my own way, never backing down.
I hooked my arm around Brad's neck, using my actions to strike back at her. Brad was mine, and no matter what tricks she pulled, she couldn't take him away.
Jenny left in a huff, pushed by her crew, and the others gradually filed out too.
Soon, it was just Professor Evans, Brad, and me left in the conference room.
"Jenny's got it out for you two? What's the deal? Spill it." Professor Evans opened a bottle of water, took a couple of sips, and pointed to the chairs beside him, signaling Brad and me to sit down.
Brad laid out every detail of our past with Jenny, including how she saved his life in Silverbrook City and then used that to manipulate him, pulling all sorts of shady moves.
"She was the one who saved you?" Professor Evans's eyes darted between us, teasingly.
"Professor Evans, Jenny's clearly here to stir up trouble. Why agree to her? She just wants to keep Brad close to mess with us. She's got bad intentions," I said, fuming.
Thinking about the next two years, with Brad working face-to-face with Jenny every day, seeing her annoying face every time he looked up, felt like my heart was being stabbed by a thousand needles.
"If I don't agree this time, she'll find another way to cause trouble." Brad held my hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand to calm me down.
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