More

Chapter 75: Speaking The Truth

Sandra did not elaborate on the matter, merely suggesting Rebecca eases her mind to focus on research.

“Sandra,” Rebecca murmured, eyes brimming with tears.

After ingesting the antidote, she distinctly felt her body had surpassed its pre–poisoned state in health.

“I do not know how to express my gratitude for your kindness.”

A soft–smile played at the corners of Sandra’s eyes.

“You are my student now, and I cannot bear the thought of you perishing.”

Her words provided scant comfort.

Rebecca wore a bittersweet smile, “You possess a unique talent for‘ spoiling the atmosphere.”

“I met your dad. He can’t afford to be fatigued.”

Sandra said before prescribed another remedy,

“This is for your mother, burdened by excessive worries. Ensure she receives your care.”

Moved even more, Rebecca inwardly vowed a life of loyalty to Sandra.

As Rebecca received the prescription, her phone rang.

She hurried onto the balcony.

The caller was her dormmate, Molly Moore.

“Rebecca, are you still on leave? If nothing pressing detains you, come back immediately.”

Baffled, Rebecca recalled explicitly stating her two–month leave to care for her father.

She shared Oliver’s medical reports with their counselor

who had sympathized with her and graciously offered a sum of

money.

Why would Molly insist on her return after merely a month?

Molly said urgently, “It’s about your spot!”

“What spot?”

“Do you remember the paper you penned on bioengineering?”

“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 enthusiastically agreed.

But what had transpired since?

“Rebecca,” a hint of helplessness tinged Molly ‘s voice, “while you’re absent, Betty Martinez claims your paper plagiaries hers. Mr. Fisher now holds you in contempt and revoks your lab privileges.”

Molly relayed the grievance in one breath, indignant.

“She seizes this opportunity to thwart you. Please come back.”

Rebecca’s grip on her phone quivered uncontrollably.

Steadfastly reigning in her emotions, she prevented her collapse.

Time stretched until conversation lulls between Sandra and Iris prompted her tear–streaked return from the balcony.

Sandra’s keen perception caught the disturbance in Rebecca.

What happened?”

Rebecca averted her gaze, concealing reddened eyes.

The dust just caught my eye.”

Sandra was not one to coerce confessions.

Seeing Rebecca’s reluctance, she chose not to press.

She announced her imminent departure due to company matters.

Iris bid her farewell.

Rebecca followed them out, remaining silent.

She was fearing her voice would betray her sadness.

With a deep look, Sandra ultimately departed.

Iris asked, “What’s the matter? You have nothing to say to Sandra?”

It was an implicit scolding for lack of manners.

Rebecca dabbed away her tears.

“Mom, take care of dad. My tutor recalls me to school.”

Iris believed.”

“You are finally able to enter the laboratory. As the professor’s assistant, you will definitively be promising.”

Rebecca absentmindedly agreed, her mind laden with others.

She hastily gathered some belongings before descending the stairs.

Sandra was in the car, on a call with a colleague.

“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 was momentarily silenced.

“Sandra, you jest well.”

Sandra was speaking the truth.

Victor was in a years–long comatose state.

It was Wesley who preserved The Cooper’s stature in Geniston.

Yet, Wesley succumbed similarly to a vegetative condition.

In the past three years, Debra managed the company affairs.

Outwardly, The Cooper appeared thriving, yet internally, they grappled with annual financial losses.

Within adept circles, the Cooper Group lacked its former prowess,

even falling behind the Black family.

Otherwise, Earl wouldn’t have dared to brazenly ask for Wesley’s car.

Such reflections, though privately clear, remained unspoken aloud.

Her colleague offered a curt laugh, then severed the connection.

Sandra activated the car when she spied Rebecca dashing from home.

Sensing urgency, Sandra considered offering a lift.

However, before she could signal, Rebecca had hailed a taxi.

Without further intervention, Sandra returned to the office.

The Cooper Group.

The atmosphere in the office was stifling.

Angela’s head hung low as she sobbed.

Debra massaged her brow, her gaze laced with iciness.

“Mom, I cannot reconcile with the 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.