Chapter 91
Later, Dante added her as a friend, and they’d often geek out over coding and computer science together..
Skylar and Dante learned from each other and became close. Their relationship grew into a mix of mentorship and real friendship.
She’d helped Dante out a few times, and he’d returned the favor just as often. They shared an unspoken understanding. Neither of them ever brought up meeting in real life.
Skylar wondered how he found out her identity.
Dante extended his hand with a warm smile and said, “Skylar Stone. What a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
At the time, he had several critical vulnerabilities he couldn’t resolve on his own and had to turn to Skylar for help.
Given the gravity of the situation, he had looked into her background before asking for her help.
She ended up in prison for taking the fall for someone.
He couldn’t get her out, but he did what he could to make her prison life more bearable.
Just days ago, Dante was still wondering when he might have a coding duel with her. He never expected to actually meet her in person today.
Tucker was equally astonished.
Though both held the title of department chair at Quante University, Dante was ultimately beyond Tucker’s league.
Dante worked for the state and was under state protection.
He taught at Quante University not just as a regular professor, but as part of a national mission to cultivate the next generation of computer science
talent.
Tucker wondered, ‘Even the university president has to curry favor with him. How can someone of his stature possibly know a girl who never even attended college?‘
With that one sentence, Skylar was absolutely certain that Dante really was the person from three years ago.
Skylar offered a sincere smile and extended her hand to shake his “It’s wonderful to meet you too. I’m no longer Skylar Stone. My name is Skylar
Lambert now.”
Dante was taken aback. “Why the sudden name change?”
“Those people weren’t my biological parents. I’ve found my real family now,” Skylar explained.
Dante was genuinely happy for her. “That’s wonderful news. What a coincidence running into you today. How about we grab a bite together later?”
Skylar nodded.
Their conversation flowed as naturally as between longtime friends.
Freya was seething with jealousy and blurted out “Skylar, you never even went to college. How could you possibly know any professors from Quante University?”
She thought, ‘I went through so much trouble doing all those favors for Tucker, just to get on his good side and have him look out for me,
‘Skylar has nothing going for her. She doesn’t have any skills, so why does Mr. Babin favor her?
‘This can’t be happening!
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Chapter 91
Skylar replied casually, “We met online.”
Freya scoffed, “Such a coincidence? You really expect me to believe you just happened to chat with a Quante University professor online?
“Quite a coincidence,” Skylar said, eyeing Freya suspiciously as she kept prying. “Why the sudden interest in all this?”
Freya shook her head. “Nothing.”
Dante seized the chance to poach her. “So, have you landed a job yet?
“Remember when I invited you to join us as a professor at Quante University? Back then, you said it wasn’t a good time for you. Has your situation changed now?
“Whether it’s a good time for you or not, the Computer Science Department at Quante University will always welcome you with open arms.
“I might not have the time,” Skylar said. She was really swamped right now.
Once her business took off and things settled down, she might actually consider teaching at Quante University.
As soon as Freya heard Skylar might become a professor, she panicked and blurted out, “No way. This can’t happen.”
All three pairs of eyes locked onto her. Biting her lower lip, she forced out the words with difficulty, “How can you let Skylar teach when she never even went to college? Wouldn’t that just ruin the students?
“And if people ever find out about her shady background, there’s no way they’ll accept her. When trouble breaks out, it’ll be a nightmare to deal with.
AD
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