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“By all means,” Zachary said with a nod.
Zachary nodded, his expression revealing nothing. “Continue.”
I had been dismissed. Rejected. Found wanting by the very person whose validation I had coveted.
“Dr. Dubois,” he amended without apology. “You clearly possess a solid foundational knowledge of AI systems. Your academic achievements are commendable.”
I took a deep breath, forcing my features into a neutral expression. “No, it’s not.”
I nodded absently, my mind still reeling from Zachary’s assessment. Derivative. Not innovative. Just above average.
“Is everything alright?” he asked, looking between us.
I launched into my prepared analysis, detailing my research on split–second ethical decision algorithms. I explained my theories on weighted value systems for autonomous vehicles and the implementation challenges in real–world scenarios.
“Of course,” he said with a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Mr. Thorne mentioned you’re interested in my mentorship program.”
We both stood to greet him.
“Zachary, thank you for joining us,” Damien said, shaking his hand.
Zachary regarded me with clinical detachment. “Original thought. Everything you’ve presented is skillful regurgitation of existing frameworks. I need minds that create
frameworks others will follow.”
I straightened my posture. “Excited, not nervous. This is my moment.”
Just above average.
“We should go,” I said suddenly, standing up. “There’s no point staying.”
I stopped, surprised. Had I impressed him already?
The private dining room at Le Ciel exuded exclusivity. Crystal chandeliers cast a
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golden glow over mahogany tables and plush seating. I’d chosen my outfit carefully–a tailored burgundy dress that conveyed both professionalism and subtle allure. The perfect combination for tonight’s meeting.
His handshake was firm but brief. “Flattery noted, but unnecessary. I’m familiar with your academic background.”
The words hung between us as Damien’s phone continued to ring. I gestured toward it.. “Answer it. Cora needs you.”
I leaned forward slightly. “More than interested. I believe I would be an ideal candidate for your advanced research team. My doctoral thesis on predictive behavioral
algorithms in autonomous systems-”
Damien moved to my side. “Vivienne”
“The pleasure’s mine,” Zachary replied, his gaze analytical as he turned to me. “And you must be Vivienne Dubois.”
But as I stood there, I couldn’t ignore the voice in my head wondering if Zachary Newman had seen something fundamental about me–something others had missed or been too kind to mention.
I barely acknowledged him, focused entirely on impressing Zachary, who was listening with unnerving intensity. I discussed technical specifications, computational models, and my innovative approach to machine learning parameters.
As he took the call, I walked to the window, staring out at the city lights below. One rejection shouldn’t matter this much. I’d faced setbacks before.
I found my voice again. “What exactly am I lacking?”
“It won’t matter,” I interrupted, the reality sinking in. “He’s made his judgment.”
“This isn’t the outcome we expected,” Damien said carefully.
Relief flooded through me. This was going well.
I extended my hand, maintaining steady eye contact. “Dr. Vivienne Dubois. Your work on neural pathway optimization in learning systems has been revolutionary. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“Just water for now,” he said. “I prefer clarity of mind during first meetings.”
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“I appreciate your time, Mr. Thorne,” Zachary continued, turning to Damien. “The restaurant choice is excellent. Perhaps another time, under different circumstances.”
My heart rate quickened as Zachary Newman entered. Tall and lean with silver–streaked dark hair, he carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who didn’t need to prove his brilliance to anyone. The world’s leading authority on autonomous Al systems–and hopefully, my future mentor.
“However,” he continued, “you’re not at the level I require for my students.”
“Dr. Dubois,” I corrected again, a slight edge to my voice this time.
The subtle implication wasn’t lost on me. I set my wine glass down untouched.
Damien’s expression hardened slightly. “Perhaps you should reconsider. Vivienne is brilliant-”
“Is derivative,” he finished, his tone matter–of–fact rather than cruel. “You’ve memorized the right terminology and can discuss concepts intelligently, but there’s no true innovation in your approach.”
Vivienne’s POV
Damien returned briefly, placed his hand on my shoulder, and whispered, “Need to take another call. You’re doing great.”
“It’s not just any opinion,” I said, gathering my purse. “It’s Zachary Newman’s. And he just confirmed what I’ve always feared.”
Just above average? I maintained my smile while recalibrating my approach.
“That was merely my starting point,” I said smoothly. “My current focus has expanded to ethical decision–making frameworks in autonomous vehicles, particularly regarding the trolley problem variables in urban environments.”
He nodded politely to me. “Dr. Dubois, I wish you well in your endeavors. There are many excellent programs that would value your skills.”
Zachary set down his water glass and stood. The abruptness of the gesture left me momentarily speechless.
“We can approach this differently,” he suggested. “Perhaps through the foundation, or
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The words hit me like a physical blow. “I don’t understand. My research-”
The door opened as Damien returned. He paused, sensing the tension immediately.
“That’s enough,” he said firmly.
After speaking for over ten minutes without interruption, I was mid–sentence when Zachary raised his hand.
Damien sat beside me, impeccable as always in his charcoal suit. His presence provided the access I needed, but tonight’s outcome rested entirely on my shoulders.
Damien’s phone buzzed. He checked the screen and frowned. “I apologize, but I need to take this call. Business emergency.”
Damien studied me, concern evident in his eyes. “Don’t let one man’s opinion—”
“Ms. Dubois-”
“Yes, I reviewed it,” he interrupted. “Above average work.”
And worse, I couldn’t help wondering if this was how everyone truly saw me. Not as extraordinary. Not as exceptional.
“Nervous?” Damien asked, noticing my finger tracing the rim of my water glass.
“Perfectly fine,” Zachary replied. “I was just explaining to Dr. Dubois that while I appreciate her interest, she doesn’t meet the requirements for my mentorship
program.”
我
I looked at Damien, vulnerability breaking through my careful facade for just a moment. “That I’m not special. Just adequate. Just… second best.”
Each word sliced through my carefully constructed self–image. My hand trembled slightly as I reached for my water.
I struggled to maintain my composure. “If you’d let me explain my latest project—”
The waiter had just poured our wine when the maître d‘ appeared at the door. “Mr. Zachary Newman has arrived, sir.”
“Awarded you a PhD, yes. And you deserve it. But my program isn’t about collecting another credential. It’s about pushing boundaries that terrify most academics.”
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“Dr. Dubois,” I corrected gently.
With that, he turned and left the private dining room, leaving a deafening silence in his- wake.
“It wouldn’t change my assessment,” he said, gathering his coat. “Your foundational knowledge is decent, but you’re not at the level for me to take you on as a student.”
Damien’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at it and sighed. “Cora’s calling. Mrs. Henderson says she won’t go to bed until she speaks with us.”
We took our seats as the waiter approached to take Zachary’s drink order.
“Which is?”
“Don’t,” I said sharply, raising my hand. I needed a moment to process what had just happened.
“I don’t doubt her general intelligence,” Zachary interrupted. “But brilliance in my field requires something she hasn’t demonstrated.”
As Damien stepped out, Zachary turned his full attention to me. “So, Ms. Dubois-”
I felt heat rising to my face. “With all due respect, my doctoral committee-”
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