Chapter 14 Everyone's attention shot to the stage the second they heard that . " Tobias , Dr. Bennett's about to come out ," Russell said , sounding pumped . Tobias kept his cool on the outside , but his eyes gave him away . 55 vouchers Andrea clutched her chest . " I'm so nervous . My heart's about to jump out . Mom , my idol is coming out . " Ruth squeezed Kaia's hand , her palm slick with sweat . " Don't get too worked up . Be on your best behavior . When she's done talking , we'll go meet her ." Kaia tried to pull her hand free . " Mom , let go . I need to use the bathroom . " " What bathroom ? Dr. Bennett's about to walk on stage . How can you think about that now ? " Ruth glared at her . " I really need to go , " Kaia insisted . " No. You're not going anywhere ," Ruth snapped . A minute went by , but Dr. Bennett still didn't show . " What's going on ? Why isn't she out yet ? " someone asked . People started whispering . The host was sweating bullets . He was just about to head backstage when he spotted Kaia in the audience - he asked with his eyes why she wasn't on stage where she was supposed to be . Kaia frowned at Ruth , who still had her hand in a death grip . The host got it and quickly sent someone to handle it . A moment later , an older professor walked over to Kaia . " Mr. and Mrs. Bennett , hello . I'm Stephen Weaver , a researcher from Dr. Bennett's institute . " Lincoln and Ruth were stunned - and flattered - that such a big deal had come over to talk to them . " Mr. Weaver , hello , Can we help you with something ? " They were excited but still thinking straight . Stephen wasn't as famous as Dr. Bennett , but in the science world , he was no small name . It was rare for someone like him to personally approach them . " I came because ... " Stephen's eyes landed on Kaia . Andrea was standing right next to her . Lincoln and Ruth assumed he was looking at Andrea and swelled with pride . 1/4 11:46 pm Chapter 14 55 vouchers " Are you here because of Andrea ? " Ruth asked . " She's pretty well - known at school . I didn't think you'd heard of her . " Lincoln was excited . " She wants to join Dr. Bennett's institute and plans to apply for an internship . in her junior year . We'd appreciate it if you could put in a good word . " Stephen cleared his throat politely . " Is that so ? Well , she should work hard . " While Ruth kept going on about Andrea , she completely forgot she was holding Kaia captive . Kaia took the chance to slip away and head backstage . The host finally relaxed . " We had a small delay . Now , please welcome Dr. Bennett with a big round of applause ! " Kaia walked on stage wearing a mask and a hat . Taking the mic , she said in a calm , low voice , " The success of this new nanomaterial wasn't just my achievement - it was the hard work of our whole team . Please give them all a big round of applause . " She then turned to the professors in the front row and introduced them one by one . " Professor Duncan Payne . " The audience clapped . " Professor William Spencer ." The applause grew even louder . " Professor Aiden Hawkins . " The clapping went on . The professors were moved to tears at being recognized by Dr. Bennett . " Hey , Tobias , don't you think Dr. Bennett looks kinda like your fiancée ? " Russell asked , squinting , Tobias shot him a cold look . " You've got quite the imagination . " Russell chuckled awkwardly . " Just kidding . But remember when Kaia bragged at your place about Dr. Bennett announcing a partnership with Moreno Group today ? " Right then , Kaia said again , " Now , I have a very important announcement . " The whole room leaned in , curious . Kaia's eyes landed on Tobias . Tobias noticed and made a questioning sound . " Hmm ? " " What is it ? " Russell asked , turning to Tobias . 2/4 11:46 pm Chapter 14 " Dr. Bennett looks like she's staring at me , " Tobias muttered . Russell laughed . " I didn't know you had jokes . " Tobias frowned , wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him . 55 vouchers On the stage , Kaia went on , " I know many of you came here hoping to work with us on this new nanomaterial . But I've already chosen the company our institute will partner with ." The crowd buzzed . " Already ? Which company's the lucky one ? " " I brought a ton of money , hoping to strike a deal and apply this new nanomaterial to our industry. Guess it's too late now . " " Dr. Bennett , don't keep us hanging . Just tell us . " " The company is Moreno Group , " Kaia said . Her words hit like a thunderclap . Tobias's eyes went wide . His mind spun as he remembered Kaia bragging before . " Holy crap ! Did I hear that right ? I ... I ... " Russell stammered , too stunned to finish . " Tobias , maybe Kaia's not as simple as she looks ." This couldn't just be a fluke . One coincidence was possible . But two ? No way . First , Kaia said the press conference would be on the 28th - and it was . Then she said the institute would work with the Moreno Group - and now it happened . If Russell could figure it out , Tobias sure wouldn't be dumb enough to think it was all luck . Once the speeches wrapped up , the press conference ended without a hitch . Tobias noticed everyone in the Bennett family was still seated - except Kaia , His eyes narrowed . After a few seconds of hesitation , he suddenly stood and headed for the stage . As soon as Kaia stepped down the stage , a wall of people closed in around her . Security tried to keep order , but the crowd kept shoving to get closer . " Stop pushing ! We need more security here to protect Dr. Bennett ! " one organizer yelled . " Dr. Bennett , what will you be researching next ? " a reporter shouted . " Dr. Bennett ! Our station wants an exclusive interview - just a few minutes ! " another called . " I'm from the Adkins family in Morganburg . I'd like to invite you to dinner , " a man said . The pushing got worse . Everything was spiraling out of control . " Let me through ! I want her 3/4 11:46 pm Chapter 14 autograph ! " 55 vouchers Even though Kaia knew how to fight , this wasn't the time or place to use it . Then , it happened - a camera smacked into her hat , knocking it off . Her hair tumbled down , and with it , her mask slipped away . 11:46 pm Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!