?


    The moment the usation was made, the air in the room shifted, tension crackling like static electricity.


    Only Roseanne was smiling.


    She locked eyes with Sybil, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "And what exactly do you mean by cheating? Bribing people, using your connections, or maybe having someone ghostwrite for you?"


    Fearing her voice wouldn''t carry, Mamie, ever the supportive friend, dashed to the front to grab a microphone, running back with a grin stered on her face, practically shoving the mic into Roseanne''s hand with an unspokenmand: Give it to them. Make it hurt.


    I live for this drama!


    Testing the mic with a quick tap, Roseanne found it to her liking-loud and clear.


    "Sybil, was it? First off, you tter me. I neither have the funds nor the connections to influence the editors at ''Science'', convincing a panel of distinguished researchers across the globe to do me a mere college student-a favor against their better judgment."


    "And as for ghostwriting... intriguing idea, but what exactly could I offer someone capable of penning a ''Science'' paper to willingly take a bullet for me?"


    "You seem quite familiar with these... underhand tactics. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"


    Sybil, caught off guard, bristled like a cornered cat, "What are you insinuating?! When have I ever resorted to such measures? Show me the proof if you''re so convinced!"


    Roseanne feigned confusion, "When did I specifically mention you? Although, your defensiveness does make one wonder..."


    "I... I..." Sybil was at a loss for words.


    With a slight smirk, Roseanne pushed back, "You''re asking me for evidence, but shouldn''t the same rules apply to you?"Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Sybil, left speechless, could only sit down, her face ame with embarrassment.


    Roseanne observed her reaction intently, her gaze deepening.


    ter opened his mouth, intending to add something, but the sight of the microphone in Roseanne''s grip made him reconsider. He wasn''t about to make himself an easy target.


    Then, Edna spoke up, her question


    directed not at the students, but at


    the authority presiding over the gathering, "Mr. Hiram, does this ''Science'' publication have a corresponding author?"


    Roseanne was the first author, but who was the corresponding one?


    Mr. Hiram nodded, "Yes."


    Edna''s interest peaked, "Who?"


    Everyone expected the name to be Madeleine, but-


    Mr. Hiram announced, "Owen, Mr. Reynolds himself."


    The room erupted into whispers. No wonder Roseanne managed to produce such a high-caliber paper in record time. Owen'' involvement exined everything.


    For a first-year grad student like Roseanne, reaching the heights of ''Science'' seemed unattainable. But with Owen backing her, it all made sense. This revtion rendered Sybil''s earlier insinuations about time constraints,ck of expertise, and possible cheating moot.


    But why would Owen choose to support Roseanne in this capacity?


    Upon hearing it wasn''t Madeleine but Owen instead, Edna initially felt a wave of relief wash over her. Yet, the mention of Reynolds'' name quickly reignited her anxieties.