From Zero to Shero (by Tessa Wallen) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

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Claire explained with a smile, “Before, only Sean and I were active students in the team, so we didn’t qualify to enter. But now we have you.

“If you want to participate, we can register. Got any ideas? Sean and I will help you develop them.”

“I do want to enter,” Josie said, pursing her lips slightly. “But I haven’t nailed down an innovative idea yet. I need to think

some more.”

Claire pulled out her phone. “Don’t overthink it. Sign up first. Let Sean worry about the idea-he’s full of them.”

Even as Claire spoke, her fingers flew across the screen. Registration was done in seconds, and a new group chat popped up.

It was a four-person group: Sean, Claire, Josie, and Delilah. Claire immediately posted the competition registration confirmation.

Josie was stunned by Claire’s decisiveness, and a surge of gratitude washed over her. She’d merely expressed interest, and

Claire had acted without hesitation.

Regardless of the outcome, this level of support was deeply moving. “Thank you, Claire. I will come up with a good idea. I won’t let you down.”

Claire grinned. “Great. Sean and I are counting on you to lead us to success.” With a final wave, she left.

Josie’s heart, however, remained unsettled. She knew Claire was joking-she was barely starting over in a new field, far from

capable of leading anyone to success.

That Claire not only tolerated her but actively encouraged her was incredibly touching for her.

Just spending one morning with Claire wrapped Josie in warmth. The kindness Claire showed her was something she hadn’t felt from Aiden and the others in the past few years.

It felt indulgent, and a wave of relief washed over Josie-relief at escaping David’s team, relief at choosing the obscure major of acupuncture.

Turning towards the cafeteria, Josie felt her phone buzz with a message from the new group. It was Sean. [Whose idea?]

Biting her lip. Josie replied: [Mine. I want to enter the competition. Is that okay?]

Sean replied instantly: [Got a concept?]

Josie narrowed her eyes. An idea flickered through her mind-something crucial she remembered from the advancements in traditional medicine research years later in her previous life.

It had surfaced during a consultation. But she wasn’t sure if their current team had the resources or expertise to explore it yet. That’s why she hadn’t mentioned it to Claire.

The situation felt different now, though. After a brief hesitation, Josie sent her idea to the group. [Application of acupuncture techniques in clinical surgery]

Silence descended on the chat. The quiet stretched, making Josie anxious. She didn’t know if her idea would be supported.

Just as Josie debated adding more, someone bumped her shoulder, and her phone was snatched from her hand. “What’s got you so glued to that screen? Vincent peered down at it.

Josie yanked her phone back. “Nothing. What are you doing here?”

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“This is the cafeteria. Lunch, of course.” Vincent shrugged. “Come on, join us. They ordered your favorites”

Josie stopped walking. “How did you know I was coming?”

“Natalie saw you heading this way and messaged the group.” Vincent explained, reaching out to take her arm.

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Vincent could only watch as Josie picked up a large bowl of carbonara and dug in, seemingly oblivious to his presence. He realized that she had no regrets at all, let alone being sad.

Vincent desperately wanted to step forward and demand answers. He thought, Does she just not care about online hate? Is she really that dead set on staying with Ms. Wilcount?

“Why couldn’t she just sit down and have a peaceful meal with us, chatting and laughing like before? Why this coldness, this

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Chapter 23

Vincent was a bit angry. As he took a step forward, Sean blocked him. “Know what respect means?”

“Stay out of this. What we have with Josie, you can’t touch. Get out of the way,” Vincent glared at Sean.

Sean crossed his arms, unmoving. “She ate my pasta. Now she owes me her car. You want to talk to her? Get in line.”

Vincent choked back his frustration. It was a ridiculous reason, but he knew Josie wouldn’t budge today. Josie wasn’t the same obedient person who came when called.

She belonged to another team now and was someone else’s friend. A sudden pang of panic hit him. Vincent turned and hurried off to find Aiden.

Sean walked over and sat down opposite Josie. “You ate my carbonara.”

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19:29 Mon, 25 Aug AAE