Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 653

Standing nearby was a young man dressed in a hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. His glasses lent him a studious and academic appearance.

Helen acknowledged the presence of the university leaders with a slight nod before turning to Gerard. "Mr. Ziegler, is there something you wanted to discuss?"

Gerard nodded solemnly. "Helen, you know I've always held you in high regard."

Having already reviewed the forum, Helen subtly understood Gerard's unspoken intent. Keeping her composure, she smiled politely and said, "Please, go ahead and tell me what you need."

Gerard was surprised by Helen's straightforwardness. He quickly nodded and retrieved two sheets of draft paper from under his lesson plans, laying them out on the desk.

"Here are the calculations for the math problems you had solved. Could you confirm if they belong to you?" Gerard asked calmly.

Without hesitation, Helen lowered her gaze. "Yes," she affirmed.

"I recall asking if anyone had assisted you," Gerard continued, "and you mentioned solving these problems on your own."

"That's correct," Helen replied, a faint smile gracing her lips.

At that moment, the studious man interjected, "In that case, there's no doubt. This problem was formulated by renowned mathematician Dr. Stephen Pruett. I visited him two days ago, and he confirmed that only one person has successfully solved it.

"The method involved is highly intricate and rigorous. Comparing Helen's approach, hers oversimplifies and misunderstands the solution completely!"

"And who might you be?" Helen asked, not recalling any prior acquaintance with him.

"This is Owen Boyce from the Physics Faculty," the dean proudly introduced, adjusting his glasses with a hint of satisfaction. "You two are in the same year, and your college entrance exam scores were remarkably close."

The dean, who also taught in the Physics Faculty, held Owen in high regard as one of his top students.

"I see," Helen replied tersely, acknowledging the introduction.

After a brief silence, she turned to Gerard and asked, "Mr. Ziegler, can the process of solving math problems be patented? Is it considered unacceptable if different people arrive at the same answer using different methods?"

Helen was taken aback by Owen's persistence. Her expression hardened as she replied, "So, are you saying that a complex and intricate solution indicates originality, while my clear and concise approach automatically suggests I borrowed from others?"

Owen remained unfazed by her response. He retorted sarcastically, "Are you saying you're a genius who can solve problems that even academics struggle with?"

"And what if I am?" Helen replied calmly, her smile faint yet provocative.

"In that case, I'll happily run around the entire campus with a megaphone and publicly apologize to you in front of everyone!"

Owen met Helen's steadfast denial with equal determination, refusing to back down. Looking directly into her eyes, he countered with a steely resolve devoid of sympathy or admiration.

The prestigious top position at Glendale rightfully belonged to him, not Helen, who appeared rather unremarkable.

Owen was determined not to settle for anything less than first place.