Sandra did not elaborate on the matter, instead suggesting Rebecca focus on her research and ease her mind.
“Sandra,” Rebecca murmured, her eyes brimming with tears. After taking the antidote, she felt noticeably healthier, surpassing the state she had been in before the poisoning.
“I don’t know how to express my gratitude for your kindness,” she said.
A soft smile touched the corners of Sandra’s eyes. “You are my student now, and I cannot bear the thought of you perishing.”
Her words brought little comfort, but Rebecca managed a bittersweet smile. “You have a unique talent for spoiling the atmosphere.”
“I met your dad,” Sandra continued, “He can’t afford to be fatigued.”
She prescribed another remedy, adding, “This is for your mother, burdened by excessive worries. Make sure she gets the care she deserves.”
Deeply moved, Rebecca inwardly vowed to remain loyal to Sandra for the rest of her life.
As Rebecca received the prescription, her phone rang. She quickly stepped onto the balcony to answer.
It was her dormmate, Molly Moore.
“Rebecca, are you still on leave? If nothing pressing holds you back, come back immediately.”
Confused, Rebecca recalled explicitly stating her two-month leave to care for her father. She had shared Oliver’s medical reports with their counselor, who had sympathized with her and graciously offered financial help. Why would Molly insist on her return after only a month?
Molly said urgently, “It’s about your spot!”
“What spot?” Rebecca asked, puzzled.
“Do you remember the paper you wrote on bioengineering?”
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“Yes?”
“Mr. Fisher admired your work and wanted you to assist in his laboratory, remember? But—”
Delighted at the prospect of earning while assisting, Rebecca had agreed enthusiastically. But what had transpired since?
“Rebecca,” Molly said, her voice edged with helplessness, “while you were away, Betty Martinez accused you of plagiarizing her paper. Mr. Fisher now holds you in contempt and has revoked your lab privileges.”
Molly rushed the complaint out, indignant. “She seized the opportunity to ruin your chances. Please come back.”
Rebecca’s hand trembled around her phone. She forced herself to steady her breathing and hold back the tears. Time dragged until Sandra and Iris’s quiet conversation pulled her back from the balcony, tear-streaked and shaken.
Sandra noticed Rebecca’s distress at once. “What happened?” she asked.
Rebecca looked away, rubbing at her reddened eyes. “It was nothing—just dust in my eye.”
Sandra didn’t press her; she wasn’t one to force confessions. Seeing Rebecca reluctant to speak, she chose not to push. “I have company matters to attend to,” she said, standing. Iris said goodbye, and Rebecca followed them out in silence, afraid her voice would betray her sorrow.
After a long look, Sandra left. Iris asked gently, “Are you all right? Don’t you have anything to tell Sandra?”—a quiet reproach for Rebecca’s lack of manners.
Rebecca dabbed at her tears. “Mom, take care of Dad. My tutor has recalled me to school.”
Iris nodded, believing her.
“You are finally able to enter the laboratory. As the professor’s assistant, you will definitely be promising.”
Rebecca absentmindedly agreed, her thoughts preoccupied with other matters. She hastily gathered her belongings before descending the stairs.
Sandra was in the car, speaking with a colleague on the phone.
“Sandra, we need your statement for the record.”
“I just stepped out for a coffee, I’ll return promptly. Would you like one?”
“Oh, fetch me a latte, please.”
“Alright. Has Angela concluded her statements?”
“Yes, Angela is in Mrs. Cooper’s office, inconsolably weeping. If this turmoil from within spreads, it will definitely threaten our company’s image.”
Sandra spoke plainly, “The Cooper’s renown has worn thin as it is.”
Her colleague fell silent for a moment.
“Sandra, you jest well.”
But Sandra wasn’t joking.
Victor had been in a years-long comatose state. It was Wesley who had preserved the Cooper’s stature in Geniston, but he too succumbed to a similar vegetative condition.
In the past three years, Debra had managed the company affairs. Outwardly, the Cooper appeared to be thriving, yet internally, they struggled with annual financial losses. Among adept circles, the Cooper Group had lost its former power and was even falling behind the Black family.
Otherwise, Earl wouldn’t have dared to brazenly ask for Wesley’s car.
Though these reflections were clear to Sandra, they remained unspoken.
Her colleague offered a curt laugh before ending the call. Sandra turned the car on, spotting Rebecca dashing out of her home.
Sensing urgency, Sandra considered offering her a lift.
Before she could signal, Rebecca hailed a taxi. Without further delay, Sandra returned to the Cooper Group offices. The atmosphere inside was stifling. Angela’s head hung low as she sobbed while Debra massaged her brow, her gaze cold.
“Mom, I cannot bear this indignity,” Angela lamented. Joey used snakes to terrify her. That night she was haunted by nightmares; the dread lingered. Without vengeance upon Sandra, life seemed devoid of purpose. If she hacks the system, Sandra, as the firewall designer, will certainly lose her bravado.
.
.
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