The accusation was simple:
“She’s just an undergrad who hasn’t even graditated yet. How could she possibly have developed that kind of chip, let alone publish three top–tier research papers back–to–back?”
The confrontation outside the exam hall three years ago was dredged up again, but this time, the narrative had shifted.
Now, they claimed 4 had orchestrated the entire scandal to build a reputation for myself.
“Think about it, she still managed to take the exam and even ranked first in the province. Doesn’t that seem a little too unbelievable?”
“Exactly. If she were just some average nobody, would she really be living this comfortably after crossing the Scott family?”
“I heard she won gold in the International Hardware Design Competition the moment she entered college. What kind of ordinary student‘ pulls that off
“Her professor must be shady tool”
The Scott family was always experts at controlling public opinion.
Three years ago, I only managed to turn the tide because I struck first.
This time, they were determined to bury me for good–to make sure I never recovered.
All of our research projects were put on hold.
The university suspended me and Velma, launching an official investigation.
“It’s just routine,” she had reassured me as they escorted us out.
“The case has gotten too big. It has to be handled properly.”
Even in that moment, she still tried to keep me calm.
“Don’t worry. If we’ve done nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear.”
I looked at her and asked, “Professor, do you believe me?”
She met my gaze steadily, her expression unreadable in the golden glow of the setting sun.
“If you stretch a timeline far enough–examine every single pivotal moment along the way–you’ll start to see patterns.
“Like a game of chess, every move you make doesn’t always seem significant at first. But much, much later, when all the pieces come together-”
