The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 22

"Women can be a handful—you have to know how to keep them happy. Don't say I never taught you."

"Alright, enough about those boring women. They're just a buzzkill." Liam turned to Millie, steering the conversation away. "Aren't you competing in the ISSDC next week? How's your prep coming along?"

Millie smiled, calm and confident. "All set—feeling ready."

"Well, here's to your victory. Once you bring home an ISSDC award, you'll be the talk of the town back home. With achievements like yours at your age, every research institute will be tripping over themselves to recruit you!"

Liam grinned. "Honestly, with someone as accomplished as you around, who would bother with someone like Danielle—a housewife who can't even handle a dinner party?"

—

Back in the private room, the mood had subtly shifted.

Mr. Hawthorne's gaze on Danielle was laced with something new—an appraisal, almost as if he was seeing his once-prized student in a different light.

"Is something wrong?" Danielle caught the look and asked, puzzled. "Is there something you want to say?"

Just then, Gian stood up and turned to Niki with a smile. "Why don't we go grab some drinks? What do you say, Niki? Uncle Gian will come with you."

Niki adored Gian and eagerly followed him out, beaming.

The moment they left, Mr. Hawthorne's expression darkened. He spoke in a low, serious voice.

"I saw everything that happened outside just now."

Danielle faltered, a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

He hesitated, then added, "Next week, Northridge City is hosting a competition—the ISSDC. Would you be interested in signing up?"

The ISSDC—the International Space Systems Design Competition—was a direct pipeline to the aerospace field. Winners had the chance to intern at NASA or even collaborate with them. NASA's reputation needed no explanation.

Danielle could walk away from the opportunity. But if she won, she'd become one of the most sought-after talents in the field.

She hesitated. "But hasn't the registration deadline already passed?"

She'd competed in the ISSDC before, winning top honors and earning a fast track to her combined Master's-PhD program. Universities had competed to recruit her, waving tuition and research fees, and the Blackwood Research Institute had accepted her on the spot.

Now, Mr. Hawthorne's suggestion was more than an opportunity—it was a test to see if her skills had faded, and by how much.

"If you want to enter, I'll talk to the organizers and get you a spot," Mr. Hawthorne said, looking her squarely in the eye. "Everyone makes mistakes when they're young. If you want a fresh start, it's never too late."