Chapter 51

As the timer began, the work commenced. While some students struggled with the problem, others worked quietly. For Ashleigh’s group, it was a mix of confusion and cooperation, with some members unsure of the next steps but receiving help from those more knowledgeable. Ashleigh chose to work silently, preferring to compare answers later rather than risk making a mistake and incurring the wrath of her group.

An hour into the session, Professor Patel and the lab assistants moved around, checking progress and offering guidance. After an intense period of beakers clinking and pipettes working, a group finished and confidently submitted their results. Diane submitted their work to Professor Patel, and the class watched enviously as she returned to her seat. Alana, seated in the middle, wore a small smirk of satisfaction.

As the other groups completed their submissions, Ashleigh’s group finished second to last. When Professor Patel began reviewing the submissions, the tension was palpable.

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