When the GF9 Test Subject Became His Obsession novel Chapter 149

When Serena walked in, the expressions on the Advanced Research Team boys soured instantly.

Quartz ran a hand over his head, finding even fewer hairs than before. “Serena, the Experimental Academy wants to challenge our Advanced Research Team—specifically you.”

“I’m busy.”

Her tone was flat.

Quinton had long since lost his patience. He shifted his crossed legs with a bored look.

“Didn’t you rank first in the last citywide exam? What, scared to compete? Or are the rumors true—that Haven High’s scores are all fake and you cheated your way to the top?”

“Who cheated?!” Jeremy was furious at the implication that he was in the same category as Serena. The other team members looked just as offended.

Their angry glares shot toward her, but Serena didn’t even blink. She looked at Quinton with that same detached expression.

“I’m doing this for your own good. I was afraid if you lost too badly, you’d spiral and tank your SAT scores.”

B*tch.

Who would lose to some cheating country bumpkin?

Gao Jie, the team lead from Experimental Academy, spoke with his nose in the air. “We don’t need your concern. As the only team in Evervale City affiliated with Horizon Research Institute, are you really going to dodge a challenge from another school?”

It was blatant provocation. Jeremy slammed a hand on the table.

“Who’s scared? Let’s do it!”

He shot Serena a look full of disgust. She might’ve cheated her way in, but the rest of them hadn’t. This was just another experimental school—when had they ever lost to one? Backing down now would make them look pathetic.

Serena didn’t reply. She just gave Jeremy a look that said he was an idiot.

Then Quinton chimed in.

“If we’re competing, let’s put something real on the line. If Experimental Academy loses, we’ll pay Haven High one hundred thousand dollars.”

Holy crap. Big money.

“But if Haven High loses, then you clearly don’t deserve the Horizon Research Institute affiliation. You should give the spot to us.”

The room went completely silent.

Serena alone remained calm. See? That’s what happens when you let hotheads talk.

It was a reckless wager. Quartz wanted to speak, but the rest of the team quickly whispered among themselves and came to an agreement.

“Fine. But the competition will only test scientific knowledge.”

If they pulled in some pop culture or sports trivia, the rest of them—all buried in textbooks—would have no chance.

“Good. It’s settled, then. Mr. Jackson will set the questions for this Saturday. Each school will send ten students, plus one alternate.”

Quinton stood, straightened his sunglasses, shot Serena one last glance, and led Gao Jie and the others out.

Serena turned back with a look that said, Then what else is there to say?

“I’ll do whatever.”

“Why are you even asking?” Peyton scoffed. “She’s just an alternate. It’s not like she’ll even compete.”

When the room finally cleared, Celeste decided it was better to confess than let Taylor keep suspecting.

“Taylor… last Thursday, Serena went into your lab.”

“She got there before I did. I don’t know how she got the door open. When I arrived, you were already unconscious. Your pulse was barely there. I didn’t get a chance to ask her what she was doing there.”

“I should’ve told you earlier, but she’s already been kicked out of the Reed family. If something else happens and the Morrows reject her too, she’ll be all alone again.”

“I don’t like her, but… I did take her identity for ten years. I already owe her more than I can ever repay. So… I…”

Taylor let out a breath and gently ran a hand through her hair.

“I understand, Celeste. You don’t need to explain.”

The weight in Celeste’s heart finally eased.

Taylor returned to the lab and combed through every file. He didn’t find anything suspicious—but he still wasn’t convinced.

Later, he found Sean.

“I don’t think Serena joined the Advanced Research Team for the right reasons. It’s better if we remove her.”