Chapter 406 Unfair Treatment 

“Orson,” Maria spoke up. She couldn’t let her reputation be dragged down, so she had to step in. 

“When you did experiments before, you were careful and serious. 

“You are a very impressive kid. I chose you because of your attitude toward science. 

“I saw that you made a mistake in one set of data. 

“No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t put yourself down.” 

Orson looked stunned. 

“Y–you mean… that’s okay?” 

Maria walked up to him, her tone was almost soothing, almost persuasive. 

“Of course. You’re an excellent student, and I’m very satisfied with you. 

“You’re a good kid. You will become a great scientist one day.” 

Orson felt dizzy from the praise. 

His confidence began to waver. 

Maria continued, “The fact that you spoke up shows you are honest. Your future will be bright.” 

What she said sounded fine. 

But another student, clearly guilty, suddenly spoke. 

“What if someone isn’t honest?” 

Maria’s expression turned serious. 

“If someone is dishonest, it could be considered academic misconduct. That can affect them for life.” 

The student froze. 

She was the only girl who had been selected. She had felt proud before. Now her face was full of fear. 

“Academic misconduct?” 

Words like that could end up on me? 

If her grandfather found out, he would kill me. 

It’s mom’s fault. Why did she make me chase that empty title? 

If reputation ended up ruining my future…. 

I couldn’t even start to imagine this 

+20 Free Coins 

1/4 

Chapter 406 Unfair Treatment 

“Mr. Reese,” she said softly, raising her hand. 

“I have something I want to say.” 

Byron kept his gentle smile. He was always kind to his students. 

“Go ahead. Don’t worry. No matter what you say, you won’t be blamed.” 

The girl finally exhaled in relief. 

+20 Free Coins 

“I want to tell you, the experiment data I handed in earlier was made up. I’m not good at studying, and I’ve never really done experiments like this before. I didn’t understand what I was doing. I couldn’t do it right. So, I just filled in random numbers.” 

She spoke very fast, pouring everything out at once. 

She didn’t give anyone time to interrupt. 

Maria’s face darkened again. 

She almost wanted to sew the girl’s mouth shut. 

Alice, however, looked surprised. 

She took another look at the girl. 

That took courage. 

She might not have a future in science, but that didn’t mean she had no future at all. 

Byron frowned. “Is that true?” 

“Mr. Reese, how could I lie to you?” the girl said quickly. “I really don’t know how I got selected. I just-” 

She couldn’t say that her family had bribed Maria. 

The other students exploded with anger. 

“This selection wasn’t fair!” 

“Bring the judges out and give us an explanation!” 

“We studied so hard for this. Why are we being treated unfairly?” 

“Riverview University is supposed to be one of the most trusted schools. Can it still keep that reputation?” 

“I strongly demand a re–selection!” 

“No. Even if you re–select, you must change the judges. I want to report this judge. She’s the one committing academic 

misconduct!” 

Change the judges? 

That would humiliate the current judges, 

2/4 

1:14 pm W M 

Chapter 406 Unfair Treatment 

Even though they weren’t from this field, they were still professors at this university. 

If word got out, it would be humiliating. 

But the most embarrassed person right now was Maria. 

Alice wasn’t a scientist, but she was an internet celebrity. 

All the students knew her. 

Her words carried weight. 

No one accused her of causing trouble. 

Everyone was focused on one thing–changing the judges. 

Especially removing this special guest judge. 

On a normal day, being replaced wouldn’t matter. They could just stop working together later. 

But today was different; this situation was too embarrassing. 

If Maria left now, it would look like proof that she had acted unfairly. 

In academic circles, nothing was feared or despised more than that. 

If she still wanted to get what she needed from these talented students, she had to swallow her pride. 

After thinking it over, she walked over to Byron. 

+20 Free Coins 

“Mr. Reese,” she said, “I came here today as a judge to select students who have a serious attitude, truly want to join the club, and are willing to contribute. I have a clear conscience.” 

The noise around them quieted a little. 

People looked at Maria with complicated expressions. 

Alice rebuked calmly, “So the students you selected weren’t the best at experiments?” 

Maria was caught off guard. 

Anger flashed in her eyes. 

This was her own daughter, 

And once again, Alice had chosen to stand against her. 

If she had known it would turn out like this, then back when this child was born, she should have- 

She clenched her teeth. 

Back then, she hadn’t had a choice. 

But if she could choose now, she truly wished she had never given birth to Alice. 

3/4 

4:14 pm W M 

Chapte