05
Our research project had always been a focal point for the institute and even the nation. The fire that erupted yesterday immediately drew attention from all sides. Faced with mounting pressure from the media, the higher–ups were quick to lay blame. Knowing that some researchers had been injured, they hurried over to assess the situation.
When they found Everett, who had been unreachable, their frustration boiled over.
“What happened? Tell me how a fire of that magnitude broke out in the lab! So many specimens were destroyed. Why didn’t anyone call for help or try to save them? Are you all ready to throw away your careers?”
In a bid to pacify the leaders, Everett quickly produced the specimens I had safeguarded.
When they saw they were intact, both the leaders and Silas let out a sigh of relief.
But just as Silas began to relax, I seized the moment to speak up.
“Yesterday’s fire started small, but due to the negligence of the on–duty staff, and Silas‘ blatant disregard for protocol, taking two keys from the lab, the situation escalated and led to an explosion. Sir, you must hold those responsible accountable!”
Silas‘ eyes widened in disbelief as I pointed the finger at him.
In my past life, I had always hoped for a happy ending for us, constantly forgiving his shortcomings. I had even handed him vital experimental data that propelled him to become the leader of our research group.
But my blind tolerance had made him arrogant, convinced that I was an easy target to mistreat,
This time, since he showed no loyalty, I had no qualms about returning the favor.
If I had helped him rise to power, I could just as easily bring him down.
“Elena, what nonsense are you spouting? The lab fire has nothing to do with me! If anyone should be blamed, it’s you for not putting it out in time! You’re just making wild accusations! You’ve lost your mind!”
But everyone in the room, including Everett, was ready to back me up.
Silas‘ protests fell on deaf ears, and he was swiftly removed from his role as team leader due to his incompetence. He wouldn’t even be allowed to participate in future experiments.
Before he was shown the door, he shot me a furious glare.
“I’m the one who made this experiment successful! Elena, don’t think you can erase my achievements! I won’t let this go easily! Let’s see about that! In my last life, you couldn’t beat me, and this time will be no different!”
“Grace, please! Just let me see Elena for a moment!”
Outside my room, Brielle was pleading desperately with Grace, who was looking after me.
She was almost banging on the door.
“Elena, please! I have something really important to tell you! I promise it’s something you want to know!”
Her words piqued my curiosity.
It had only been half a month since I last saw her, but she looked like a shadow of her former self, clearly worn out.
