Chapter 66

Alana sat in the reserved section of the hall, watching the chaos of the Robinette Bash preparations unfold around her. Decorations were being hastily hung, the DJ was testing sound equipment, and a few seniors scrambled to set up tables near the bar. Her friends surrounded her, caught up in their own conversations about the party, but Alana was far from interested. She had other things on her mind.

Alana had been waiting all day to hear about the results of the midterm exams—results that would determine who would represent the university in the global biochemistry competition. She knew she had to be at the top of the list. After all, she had worked harder than anyone and had all the right connections within the faculty. There was no way she could lose.

A sudden movement caught her eye, and she turned to see a girl approaching their group, her face partially covered by a cap and mask. It was Lauren, Professor Patel’s assistant, slipping in unnoticed. Alana straightened up, her heart r