When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 464

Chapter 464 Smirk

Chapter 464 Smirk

Anneliese lifted her head and flashed Gianna a smile that carried both charm and edge.

“Thanks for worrying about me. But Gianna, do I look like someone who needs rest?”

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Her skin was flushed with healthy color. Her eyes gleamed like polished gems. She looked brighter than ever, striking in a way that made her stand out even more. Not one shadow of sadness touched her face. Gianna had stared for so long, desperate to see even a trace of tears or some sign she had been hiding the pain.

But there was nothing.

Not even the faintest clue. What made it worse was that Anneliese wore no makeup at all.

Gianna lowered her lashes and curved her lips into a soft smile. “Then I worried too much. You’re incredible, Anneliese. You can bear so much. I’m not like that. A few harsh words can crush me right away.”

She stuck her tongue out in mock embarrassment and ducked her head.

She wanted her colleagues to think she was delicate, someone who needed care. She thought they would give her sympathy. But no one reacted the way she hoped. Instead, one by one, they clapped her shoulder.

“Don’t say that. Even us guys can’t match Anne’s strength.”

“With Anne’s mindset, she’ll succeed at anything. That deserves respect.”

Gianna froze in place.

Professor Clocke finally spoke. He waved everyone off and looked at Anneliese.

“Anne, follow me.”

She trailed him into his office. He reached for his cup, and she quickly stepped forward to take it. She brewed him a cup of green tea, set it at his side, and only then sat down.

Professor Clocke slid a paper toward her. “Fill this out and hand it in tomorrow.”

Anneliese glanced at it, and her eyes widened.

“A national challenge for low–altitude logistics algorithm optimization? Sir, you want me to join?”

“If you have the guts for it. Do you?” He blew across his tea and studied her with tired eyes.

Anneliese smiled, calm and steady. She reached for a pen and began filling out the form.

“If you’re not afraid, then I have no reason to be.”

Professor Clocke set his cup down and narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean I’m not afraid? Why should I be?”

“Well, no reason, really. Just saying you’re really brave. If I lose, your reputation takes the hit. You’re the authority here. Today, you even stood online and called me one of your most valued students.”

Her gaze stayed on the paper. He chuckled and tapped her on the head.

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6:11 pm P PD

Chapter 464 Smirk

Anneliese lifted her face in surprise. The old man glared at her.

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“Now that you’ve said it like that, I can’t let my rep take the hit! If you’re not confident, don’t go. This contest is after the holidays. The competitors are the best in the country. They’ve been preparing for months. And you’ve only just come back… Forget it. Forget

it.”

He leaned forward, ready to snatch the form.

Anneliese covered it with both hands. “No way. I have to try.”

“Then you’re only allowed to win. Failure is unacceptable.”

She groaned in protest. “Why give me pressure like that? Winning and losing aren’t everything. You sound way too obsessed with results. That’s not good for you.”

Outside, Gianna walked past the door. The sound of laughter drifted out. She bit her lip so hard it nearly bled.

Her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen. Felix’s name glared back at her. Her steps quickened, her eyes turned icy, and she swiped to end the call.

Anneliese understood her mentor’s intent. The storm online had died, but doubt still lingered.

This challenge was prestigious. He wanted her to crush it, to silence every critic, and to prove herself once and for all.

It was not just a contest. It carried his pride. And it was her first battle since returning. Winning was the only option.

Anything less than first place would be failure.

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