Chapter 1

On the day our major breakthrough was published, I discovered that the lead author had been changed to my junior colleague.

When I confronted the professor, he claimed I was monopolizing too many research resources, which was bad for the institute's overall growth.

He told me to take the high road, pass the limelight to the newcomer, and be a selfless candle lighting the way for others.

I agreed. I immediately pulled my entire core team out, handing every single opportunity over to her and her friends.

A week later, the institute was rocked by multiple catastrophic lab accidents.

The entire executive board went frantic, begging me on their knees to return.

I merely smiled. "No thanks. I would hate to monopolize too many resources and hurt the institute's development."

1

The tension inside the office was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Rowan, I know you did most of the heavy lifting on this breakthrough," Professor Harrison began, his tone patronizing. "But you've already piled up plenty of honors over the last two years."

"Chasing vanity isn't healthy. Instead of hoarding all the resources, why not give the younger generation a shot?"

I looked at him with a cold smile. "So you're saying a full year of my team's blood, sweat, and tears should just belong to Skylar Powell?"

He acted as if he didn't hear the chill in my voice and kept up his hypocritical act.

"I know what you're capable of, Rowan. But senior researchers are supposed to lift newcomers up and support them."

"Besides, Skylar is the Dean's daughter. Helping her out is good for your own career, isn't it?"

I stayed quiet, so Professor Harrison pressed on.

"Tomorrow, we need you to handle the backstage logistics for her. You'll also take care of the paper revisions, lab data processing, and all the trial runs from now on."

His message was loud and clear. He expected me to be Skylar's silent ghostworker without a single complaint.

"Sure," I agreed smoothly. "From now on, my team will step aside for Skylar."

"In fact, I'll hand over the team lead position to her as well."

Professor Harrison looked stunned, then broke into an approving grin and patted my shoulder.

"You're a smart girl, Rowan! I'm so glad you have such high awareness!"

He immediately called a lab meeting to announce Skylar as the new project lead.

The moment the words left his mouth, an uproar erupted. My team members were instantly furious.

"Are you serious? Just because she's the Dean's daughter?!"

"Rowan gave everything to this lab from day one! What qualifications does Skylar even have to replace her?!"

Professor Harrison's face darkened, and he barked a harsh warning.

"I made this decision for the good of the institute and everyone here!"

He glared at me. "Rowan, aren't you going to say something? Don't let this get out of hand."

I looked at my loyal teammates, their faces flushed with righteous anger, and the corner of my lips curved upward.

"Whoever wants to follow Project Lead Powell, be my guest," I said calmly.

"As for me? I quit!"

With that, I turned around, and my entire team followed me straight out of the facility.

We left Professor Harrison cursing behind our backs.

The moment I stepped out of the building, I dialed a familiar number.

"Mentor, you don't need to help them with the trial analysis anymore. I'm bringing the entire project team straight to your lab."