Linda wasn''t afraid of Sarah - she only feared losing Eric''s affection forever.


    "For a psychology researcher, you should really examine your own mental state." Eric''s voice was ice-cold as he walked away.


    Linda sank to the floor. "Eric..."


    The Decker Committee didn''t waste time. They announced Linda''s punishment immediately after posting the defense results.


    When the results went live on the university website, Sarah''s name topped the list.


    She had done it - Sarah Sanders was officially the Decker Competition champion.


    Her victory made history as the first international winner, stunning both the organizers and the Psychology Research Institute.


    Jane was thrilled, since she had rmended Sarah.


    She knew the Knox Institute researchers were already interested in Sarah. They would likely extend an invitation at tomorrow''s award ceremony.


    The ceremony was scheduled for two dayster at Saint Nock Hall. Before the ceremony, officials released an announcement.


    "Contestant Linda Ruben is disqualified for unfairpetition and malicious conduct. Allpetition results revoked and lifetime ban from futurepetitions."


    This announcement was shared with all ceremony attendees, though its subject wasn''t allowed to attend.


    The ceremony was small and elegant.


    Jane presented Sarah with her award.


    Sarah smiled as Jane ced the gleaming trophy in her hands.


    After all awards were distributed and final reports given, a man stood up from the corner. A staff member brought him a microphone.


    "Miss Sanders, I represent the Knox Research Institute. We''re very interested in your research. Would you consider joining our institute?"


    The audience gasped. The Knox Institute was among the world''s top psychology research facilities.


    Sarah knew this was a rare


    bet


    Unity. She smiled. "Thank you.


    you be willing to wait one year? I haven''t finished my studies yet."


    The director paused, surprised. "That''s eptable."


    Jane hadn''t expected Sarah''s response either, but she respected her decision.


    Inside, Sarah epted her award with grace.


    Outside Saint Nock Hall, Linda watched through tear-filled eyes. She knew Sarah was receiving her well-deserved honors while her own result had been erased, her chances of everpeting here again destroyed forever.


    She couldn''t deny her hatred for Sarah, though she knew deep down that she had brought this all upon herself.


    Spectators and reporters crowded the entrance, eager to interview the top-cing contestants.


    The sun zed overhead, forcing her to squint. Camera shes


    sparkled as the hall doors on


    and Sarah emerged, immediately surrounded by the crowd.


    Though it was barely fifty feet from the hall to the hotel, each step felt like a marathon for Sarah.


    "Will you be working at the Knox Psychology Institute? We''ve heard the winner usually receives an invitation."


    "Miss Sanders, is it true you were locked in an abandoned bathroom before your defense? Can you confirm this?"


    "Yes, Miss Sanders, do you know who trapped you there? Has themittee resolved this issue?"


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!