Page 44 of Unapologetic Obsession
Investment banking required interpersonal communication, which, let’s face it, wasn’t my strongest asset. In a science lab, it was perfectly acceptable to be an introvert. The idea of creating something that would survive me was also a beautiful thought.
Papa didn’t see the value in science, though. We fought over it numerous times until he finally banned me from pursuing chemistry. I tried to make peace with his decision before realizing I would never be good at banking. So, I made a quiet exit from my previous major—finance—to pursue what I loved—science.
I hadn’t discussed this major life change with many people, so… “How did you know?”
“I didn’t. You just confirmed it.”
Dammit.
His eyes glazed over my face. “Our families are similar, and if your father’s anything like mine, he would view dedicating your life to science as an utter failure.”
Sophie mentioned that Professor Maxwell had faced his father’s backlash for not joining the business. He had determined the similarities between our families and made a calculative guess—I didn’t include Papa in my adviser meetings because he wouldn’t approve of my choices.
“I’m guessing you’re taking my class because the extra credits will allow you to graduate early. You’re hoping to finish college before he finds out that you jumped ship.”
The man was erratic but so acutely observant that it was unnerving. I was in a rush to graduate early and secure my next step before Papa discovered I had gone over his head. Dev Ambani would never accept his only daughter not following in his footsteps. He would cut me off financially and have me blacklisted from every graduate program or job until I caved to his demands. He was one of the most influential men in thecountry with an extensive reach, perhaps second only to the Maxwells.
I nodded at one of the only men in the world who could dig me out of this hole.
The corners of his eyes softened, likely coming to the same conclusion. “You won’t get far in this field without at least a master’s degree. This university has a great graduate program for organic chemistry. If you’re interested, I can introduce you to the department head at the student-faculty affair.”
I fell from the sky. He discussed my father’s disappointment, stripped me of my defenses, and exposed my insecurities, all so I would attend his party?
“Why do you want to help me?” I asked, flabbergasted.
“Because it’d be a shame if my star pupil didn’t get into a decent master’s program.”
Star pupil? Was it possible that he saw something in me that he hadn’t seen in the other students? How could that be? I hadn’t done anything to impress the impossibly difficult professor apart from landing myself in a bunch of humiliating situations.
“You’re the only one who knew four out of five of the questions in the pop quiz on the first day of class.”
I couldn’t believe it. This truly was about my academic accomplishments, nothing more. “They won’t accept my application,” I lamented. “I don’t have experience working in a lab, and it’s a requirement for the graduate program.”
I had spent my summers interning at Ambani Corps to make my father happy. It only confirmed my suspicions: I didn’t have the killer instincts to become an investment banker. My cousins, Poppy, Nikhil, and Sam, were also attending NewTech and interning at the company. They were sharks, and their portfolios boasted of their skills. Mine did not. It was so painfully evident that even my cousins admitted it wasn’t my calling. They said Ilacked the shrewdness of the banking world, and, to be honest, I was fine with it.
I was lost in thought when he suggested, “Then work at my lab for a year and gain the experience.”
My eyes widened. No way.
He shrugged. “I need a lab manager, and the position’s been vacant for too long. This is where your OCD pays off. I need someone precise.”
My ears burned that he had noticed my obsessive compulsiveness. Nothing got past him, did it?
“The pay is good, enough to rent an apartment and save up for graduate school. You can join in January, after you graduate.”
The corners of my lips twitched. There was suddenly a flicker of hope for a brighter future. No matter their opinion of him, people around campus praised Professor Maxwell for his accolades and craved to be in his orbit. Because even if he was being terrible to them, they knew it was better to be on his radar for potential lifelong opportunities than not. He could shape my future with the flick of his wrist. One recommendation letter from Professor Maxwell or a semester working for him meant acceptance into any graduate program of my choice. And he had a bigger net worth than Papa. Even if my father blacklisted me from every job and master’s degree, he couldn’t force Professor Maxwell to bend to his will.
Professor Maxwell had turned over a new leaf within the span of a couple of weeks. The only thing that transpired between him chasing us away and deciding to organize the student-faculty party was one glimpse of my scars.
Did experimenting on them mean so much to him that he would do anything to keep me around?
Or did he truly see potential in me?
Whatever the reason, I counted my lucky stars for this opportunity. This could secure me a future away from my family. The thought was riveting, and the temptation to dive headfirst into the unknown was unparalleled. I tried not to get carried away, but I couldn’t help it.
Everything I had ever dreamed of was about to come true, and it was all thanks to Professor Maxwell.
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