Chapter 1137:
Rylie placed the record on the table and surveyed the tense, frightened faces before her. In an even voice, she said, “I have ample reason to believe you’ve been diverting research funds instead of pursuing honest science. No wonder my professor was always wary of you. Real scholars and careerists chasing profit are not the same.”
“Enough!” Kane barked, his expression darkening, a vein throbbing visibly at his temple.
He had never imagined that this quiet, unassuming student—left alone for days among so-called forgotten books—would uncover so many buried flaws hidden in the details.
“Rylie!” Kane snapped, forcing his temper down as he stood firm in defense of himself and his team. “Your accusations are groundless, and they insult every ounce of effort we’ve put into this work. Do you honestly believe reciting figures and asking clever questions is enough to dismiss everything we’ve accomplished? Research is meant to push boundaries, explore the unknown, and learn through failure. Minor data variations and occasional recording slips are normal in any serious research process. You’re cherry-picking details just to dismiss our dedication. You’re not here to contribute—you came to stir chaos!”
He inhaled deeply, steadying himself before continuing with resolve. “Your actions have disrupted the entire lab and jeopardized our reputation. As of now, your lab access is revoked. Leave immediately, or I’ll have to call security.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Rylie fired back without hesitation. “In fact, I want Professor Holden to officially take over this project.”
Kane scoffed, a sharp, humorless laugh escaping him. “Who do you think you are?”
Rylie responded coolly, “You answer directly to the head of the Costa Syndicate, yet you’re misusing his research funds right under his nose. What do you think will happen when he finds out?”
With each exchange, the tension among the researchers thickened.
That leader was notoriously paranoid—mere suspicion would trigger a ruthless investigation. And if the truth surfaced…
Rylie turned toward the exit.
Rea𝘥 o𝗇 𝗮ո𝗒 𝗱e𝗏𝘪се 𝗼n g𝘢l𝗻𝗈𝘃еlѕ.𝗰𝘰𝘮
“Wait!” Kane shouted abruptly. “Ten million dollars,” he added.
Rylie turned back, one eyebrow raised. “Are you trying to buy my silence?”
Kane pressed on. “You’re just a student—ten million is life-changing. Take it, pretend this never happened, and come work in my lab. We’ll complete the project properly. What do you say?”
Rylie answered calmly, “And if I refuse?”
Kane didn’t respond. Instead, a researcher behind him stepped forward, his expression darkening as he whispered, “You’re in Marinth. If a young woman disappears here, the Eshea embassy won’t save her.”
Rylie pretended to consider it. “Fine. Ten million to keep quiet.”
Just as the matter seemed settled, Kane hesitated. He studied Rylie closely. “From the start, you never showed fear—not even doubt. You never planned to respect me or my team. You’ve been playing your own game all along. Even after taking the money, you’d betray us.”
When the lab lights went out that night, Rylie was gone. The guards below sensed something wrong and stormed the building, but she had vanished without a trace.
The message reached Deandre immediately. His expression remained controlled. Nightingale stood beside him, tracking Rylie’s live movements on a laptop.
The moment her signal cut off, Deandre stubbed out his cigarette and snarled, “So that’s where they’re hiding. Move out, arm up, and wipe them out.”
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