Chapter 3

Emma's POV

National Youth Medical Innovation Competition finals.

Every big name in medicine was here. Top professors from Hopkins and Harvard sat in the front rows—win today and you get your ticket to the top of the medical world.

I was backstage prepping my presentation when the door suddenly opened.

Mia rolled in.

"Emma." She held a steaming latte, voice soft. "You hate me, don't you? I'm sorry, I know I screwed up... Mom was in agony all night. Dad's losing it. I got you a latte—your favorite. If you drink this, will you forgive me? Please give Mom her medicine."

I looked up at her "innocent" face.

Same old routine from my past life. She'd always bring drinks at crucial moments, and I'd always cave and drink them. The result? Splitting headaches during exams, hallucinations, data falling apart, total disaster.

"Just leave it there."

Panic flashed in Mia's eyes. "Better drink it before it gets cold. Once you do, it would make me feel better."

I looked at her and suddenly smiled.

"Fine."

I walked over, grabbed the latte, and chugged it right in front of her.

Pure triumph exploded in Mia's eyes. She stared at my throat, watching me swallow, then let out a huge breath.

"I'll go now. Good luck with the competition." She spun around and bolted.

The second the door closed, I rushed to the bathroom.

I jammed my fingers down my throat and gagged hard.

"Blegh—"

The coffee mixed with stomach acid came right back up. I rinsed like crazy until my mouth was completely clean.

I didn't just puke up the poisoned coffee—I sealed the remaining half cup in a tube and shoved it in my pocket.

First, win the finals. Then settle accounts.

Ten AM sharp, I took the stage as the final presenter.

Spotlights blazed down on me. A thousand industry elites filled the auditorium.

I took a deep breath, fired up the holographic display, and began presenting "Neural Hub Targeted Repair Technology."

My mind was crystal clear. Every data point, every calculation was flawless. The judges went from bored to focused to frantically taking notes.

"...In conclusion, this technology will end the era of incurable familial neurodegeneration forever."

The crowd went wild.

Head judge Professor Williamson grabbed the mic. "Miss Smith, your research is revolutionary! On behalf of the committee..."

"BANG—!"

The auditorium's heavy doors burst open.

Every eye snapped toward the sound.

David stumbled in looking like hell, eyes bloodshot, clothes a mess. Behind him, Ryan pushed Mia's wheelchair as they fought through the crowd.

In David's arms was a woman convulsing violently, foaming at the mouth.

Sarah.

She looked like death. Eyes rolled back, ten fingers clawing at David's arms until they bled. Inhuman sounds tore from her throat like every nerve was on fire.

"EMMA!!"

David's desperate scream echoed through the silent auditorium.

Security tried to stop him. He shoved them aside like a madman and charged to the stage, dropping to his knees.

"The medicine! Give me the medicine! Your mother's DYING!" David looked up at me, tears streaming, face twisted with despair.

Ryan rushed over, pointing at me. "Emma, you cold-blooded FREAK! You have the medicine! Why are you letting her suffer like this? What kind of monster ARE you?!"

Mia covered her face, sobbing. "Sister, please, just give us the medicine. I'll get on my knees..."

Every judge and audience member stared in shock. Accusing eyes hit me like daggers.

I grabbed the mic and laughed coldly.

"Wait, I'm confused. Mr. Smith, are you asking me for that vial... that Mia smashed with her own hands three days ago?"

David's face went white, then red with rage. "Don't try to weasel out of this! I know you have more! You're just getting revenge!"

Ryan jabbed his finger at my face. "Emma! You psychotic BITCH! Look at your mother and you're still playing innocent?!"

Mia cried harder. "Sister, I know you're mad I broke the vial... but you must have backups, right? You're too smart not to have a backup plan..."

"YES!" David jumped on it. "Emma, quit lying! You definitely have more stored somewhere!"

All eyes bounced between me and the wailing family below. Whispers grew louder.

That's when Professor Williamson stood up, frowning.

He took the mic, voice puzzled. "Medicine? What medicine?"

Dead silence.

Professor Williamson walked to the front, looking at me. "Emma, didn't I tell you that your mother's neural repair serum had only one vial of the original formula?"