The Heiress They Couldn't Break (Amelia) novel Chapter 396

**TITLE: Broken by Destiny by George Orwell 396**
**CONTENT: Chapter 396 When Masks Fall Off**

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and the air felt charged. No one dared to interrupt the unfolding drama.

Sabrina took a moment to steady herself, inhaling deeply as if drawing strength from the very air around her. She forced a smile, one that was both tentative and resolute, and stepped forward, her heart racing.

“Ms. Nygard,” she began, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest, “it seems your mentor is none other than Professor Preston. I’ve heard so much about him over the years. With his guidance, I can only imagine the bright future that lies ahead for you.”

Amelia returned the smile, albeit with a hint of modesty. “Thank you, Ms. Jordan. But I still have a long way to go,” she replied, her tone unwavering. There was an air of confidence about her; she wasn’t bragging, yet she wasn’t downplaying her achievements either.

Across the room, Rolf’s expression darkened, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

It was no surprise that the girl hadn’t taken him seriously earlier. She had real backing, a solid foundation of support that he lacked.

Why would she care about his arrogance when she had someone like Professor Preston in her corner?

In that moment, Rolf realized how foolish he must have appeared in her eyes, strutting around with an inflated sense of self-importance.

He glanced at Truman, who stood there with an infuriatingly calm demeanor, and let out a derisive snort.

That old man was insufferable. Though he feigned friendliness, Rolf knew he was as slippery as a snake. It was infuriating.

Truman turned to the crowd, a warm smile gracing his lips as he addressed them, “Amelia is not only well-mannered; her talent is extraordinary. It’s not just Walter who appreciates her; I do too. While we may not be officially paired as mentor and mentee, we often engage in discussions about research and have collaborated on numerous experiments. I regard her almost as a mentee.”

His words flowed effortlessly, casual on the surface, but everyone present was astute enough to recognize the weight of his defense.

With someone of Truman’s stature championing her cause, it was clear that the tide had turned. No one would dare to bully Amelia again.

In fact, respect would now be the currency in which she was valued. Anyone contemplating crossing her or her family would have to think long and hard before doing so.

The hardest pill to swallow in this new reality was Brielle’s.

She had been the only one bold enough to openly disdain Amelia.

Not only did Brielle harbor contempt for Amelia, but she had actively sought to humiliate her for Sabrina’s sake, rallying others to join in her attack.

She had even roped Rolf into her schemes, believing he would help her put Amelia in her rightful place.

But the situation had flipped on its head in a way she had never anticipated.

“Oh, I’ve been doing quite well, thank you,” Amelia replied, her composure intact.

“Walter couldn’t attend today, so I came in his stead,” he explained, a hint of regret in his voice.

“That’s perfectly fine. If he were here, he would probably scold me again,” she replied, a small smile playing on her lips, though the thought of Walter’s stern demeanor still sent a shiver down her spine.

Despite her fearless nature—undaunted by people, challenges, or setbacks—there was only one individual who truly intimidated her: her mentor, Walter.

The adage that strict teachers produce exceptional students rang true for their relationship.

Walter was notorious for his demanding nature, pushing her to her limits with rigorous training and high expectations.

He imparted not only advanced medical knowledge but also instilled in her the skills of self-defense and tactical strategy.

Amelia had never looked up to anyone before, but Walter was an exception.

He seemed to possess an encyclopedic knowledge, mastering every subject with an ease that left her in awe. There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t accomplish.

Walter’s strengths were boundless, yet his one flaw lay in the unyielding strictness he maintained towards her.