CHAPTER 39: Under the Spotlight

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Chapter 39: Under the Spotlight

Calvin

The university hall buzzed with nervous voices and polished presentations. Posters hung from easels. Laptops glowed. Professors wandered from table to table, clipboard in hand.

Calvin adjusted his button-down and glanced at Daisy beside him. She wore black slacks and a soft green blouse—her armor of choice.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded, lips pressed in a calm line. "Let's just get through it."

Their table was next. A printed summary of their case studies, graphs of emotional responses, and a video clip looped quietly on a tablet screen.

He could see her fingers twitch under the table.

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Daisy

The nerves weren't from the project.

It was the feeling of being seen.

Calvin stood confidently, introducing their topic and findings to a professor. Daisy joined in with sharp, clear points. Their rhythm was good—practiced but natural. Like they'd found a language that belonged only to them.

Then her eyes caught something—someone—in the crowd.

A tall woman. Dark sunglasses. Designer bag. Watching from the back, her expression unreadable.

Lydia Klein.

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Calvin

He saw Daisy freeze just for a second.

Then she moved again, voice steady.

He stepped closer—not in panic, not in defense—just there. Like a quiet wall of loyalty.

Lydia tilted her head, crossed her arms.

Calvin didn't acknowledge her.

He only turned to Daisy when it was over, and said, "You were brilliant."

Her eyes flicked to his.

"Thank you," she said softly, but it wasn't just for the compliment.

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