Her Rebirth of Retribution

That's why it was crucial to prevent Calista from causing any havoc.

She fixed her gaze on Calista, her voice laced with a veiled threat. "Callie, how about we head back first? You haven't been home in a while, don't you miss it?" Benedict let out a sigh. Despite his disdain for his younger daughter's actions, he understood that the family's reputation was paramount while they were in public. "Could you please go back, Callie? Consider it as a favor to your father, will you?" said Benedict.

Emmett looked confused, while Quincy was secretly thrilled in her heart.

Calista shook her head and smiled bitterly. Oh, these people! If I hadn't been reborn, I'd have definitely taken the blame for the sake of my family's reputation. But if I do it once, there will be more. Quincy never knows when to stop. But now... "I'm not leaving," Calista stated, her tone firm.

Benedict was taken aback, while Yelena and Quincy felt a sense of unease and confusion stirring within them.

Calista then addressed Emmett openly.

"Professor Lockwood, I'll just lay it out there. I suspect that Quincy has stolen my work. That's why I insisted on sitting in, to see if I was wrong, or if a certain someone could really be that shameless!"

"I didn't!" yelled Quincy.

Her heart fluttered in panic. How can Calista just blurt this out in front of my mentor? Doesn't she understand not to air one's dirty laundry in public?

Benedict's face turned sour, his expression grave. "Callie!" he rebuked. "What nonsense are you spouting? Leave now!"

Yelena quickly interjected, "I know you and Quincy have been having some disagreements recently, but this matter concerns Quincy's entire life! How could you speak so recklessly?"

Emmett was bewildered because of their actions. Their loud voices had gradually attracted a crowd of onlookers who pointed and gossiped about them.

"I'm spouting nonsense, eh?"

A glint of resentment flashed in Calista's eyes.

"If I back down this time, some people will think I'm an easy target and keep taking advantage of me! Dad, what Quincy stole was my practical assignment for this exam. Tomorrow is the deadline, and without it, I won't be able to get into the integrated master's and doctoral program this year!"

Calista found it hard to believe that Benedict would suggest sacrificing her for the sake of Quincy! After all, skipping grades to join the combined master's and doctoral program was akin to advancing by several levels at once. It was far more challenging than finding a mentor.

Upon seeing Benedict's silence,

Yelena grew frustrated. Without thinking, she retorted, "If you don't pass this year, you can always try

again next year! You're smart set

why are you causing trouble for Quincy? Or is it that you can't produce good work yourself, and so you want to take credit for Quincy's hard work? How could you be so mean!"

At that moment, Quincy was in a dilemma. "Callie! You can't treat me like this. This research assignment took me several years to complete. You know I'm not the smartest, and it was a rare stroke of inspiration that got me through it. My chances of finding a mentor depend on this. You can't ruin me for the sake of your own future!"

Calista was so angry that she let out a harsh peal of laughter. "What a joke! If I don't pass this year, I'll continue my attempts next year?"

Originally, Calista was mindful of

where she was and didn't want to escalate the situation. This assignment held additional

significance for her. She hoped toet

push Quincy into a corner until she had no choice but to back down. If things got out of hand, it could potentially harm her interests. Naturally, there was another reason. She didn't want Quincy to lose too much face, making things difficult for Benedict.

However, Quincy's refusal to back down was one thing, but she had even dared to summon Yelena. To top it all off, she dared to use Benedict as leverage against her. This made today's situation far from pleasant. "Callie, can we talk about everything once we get home, please?" blurted Benedict.

Upon seeing Calista sneering, Benedict instantly realized something was amiss.

If Callie reveals that Quincy stole from her, what a disgrace it would be for the family!

Calista noticed his hesitance and scoffed quietly. She had already shown a great deal of patience and respect for Benedict. It was Quincy who didn't know how to appreciate her kindness. He can't blame me for this.

"Why should I go home? Are you trying to make me concede? Dad, you'd better understand that from earlier on, I've given Quincy countless opportunities to confess. Everything that happens now is her fault. I'm merely protecting my own interests."

Quincy looked mortified. The family's reputation is at stake! Is she dead set on exposing me? No, it can't be. Dad wouldn't allow her to do such a thing. Besides, I've had someone thoroughly research that assignment and thus I'm familiar with its contents. Even if Calista wants to prove something, she has no evidence!

With this in mind, Quincy forced herself to calm down as she quickly thought of ways to combat this.

At that time, Yelena also felt somewhat guilty. Even if Quincy had preparations, she'd be no match for Calista if the latter chose to pick a fight. Therefore, she tried to coax Benedict. "Benedict, why don't you take Calista home? She seems to be unwell again!" Benedict remained motionless, his gaze fixed on Calista's expression as if it held a thousand unspoken words.

Calista didn't bother looking at the conflicted expression on Benedict's face. Instead, she scoffed, turning her sharp, piercing gaze toward Quincy.

"I'll ask you one last time. Do you really want me to blow this out of proportion?"

Anyone else would have definitely given in by now. After all, Calista hadn't confronted her directly yet. If Quincy admitted her mistake at this point, the worst-case scenario would be that Professor Lockwood's impression of her would greatly deteriorate.

However, deep down, Quincy always

harbored a glimmer of hope. She

believed that Calista had not openly confronted her for so long, likely out

of consideration for their la fone

reputation. With Dad present,

surely wouldn't let Calista ruin me. As long as I deny everything completely, there's a chance that today's incident will just end without any problems.