Chapter 325
Chapter 326
3rd Person’s POV
Eldric and Vale did not move.
Their pride stood taller than reason, rigid as iron. Not a flicker of guilt crossed their faces, not even the faintest shadow in their eyes. To yield now would be to kneel, and neither of them had ever learned how.
The tension stretched, brittle and suffocating-until a soft voice broke through.
“Please forgive them, Professor Grimwood p>
All eyes turned.
Cora stepped forward, her posture small, her voice trembling just enough to seem sincere. Yet beneath that fragile tone, something calculated coiled.
“They never mean to offend you,” she continued gently. “Professor Vale was only fulfilling his duty as my mentor. And my father…” Her lashes lowered, voice catching delicately. “Any father would act the same if he believed his daughter was being threatened p>
A careful breath.
“I’m sure neither of them intended to insult you personally. So… perhaps an apology isn’t necessary p>
A murmur rippled through the hall.
Cora looked every bit the victim.
But Lylah did not flinch.
Her gaze cut toward Cora, sharp as a blade under moonlight. “Then what about you? You should be the one apologizing to me. And if necessary, step down from the MDT project altogether. Professor Vale would have done the same to anyone who committed what you did p>
Cora blinked, feigning confusion. “What? Lylah… I don’t understand p>
But something restless stirred beneath her skin. The wolf within her shifted uneasily, pacing, snarling at a threat it could not yet see.
Lylah held her gaze, “I read through both your work and my previous draft. You plagiarized mine, Cora p>
Gasps exploded across the hall, sharp and disbelieving.
The scent of shock thickened the air, prickling against every heightened sense in the room.
“What?!” Cora’s voice rose into a shriek. But beneath it, arrogance still lingered, stubborn and unbroken. “So. now that everything is settled, you decide to slander me p>
“I’m not slandering you.” Lylah’s tone remained eerily calm. “I’m giving you one chance to confess p>
“Confess to what? I’ve done nothing wrong. How dare you accuse me like this p>
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Chapter 326.
Finished
Eldric stepped forward, his presence surging like a storm. “Do you all see it now?” he growled, eyes. gleaming with anger. “This is what she is-petty, vicious, desperate for attention. So starved for recognition that she would claw at my daughter’s name to elevate her own p>
“I’m not,” Lylah replied evenly. “I have evidence p>
“Then show it p>
The voice came from Thane, who had remained silent until now.
“If your claim holds weight,” his eyes fixed on Lylah, “prove it. Otherwise, you’re only dragging this further without cause p>
Lylah inclined her head slightly. “Very well p>
Her gaze swept across the room, steady, composed.
“Every future healer develops a distinct way of writing,” she began. “The terminology they favor, the way they describe symptoms, the structure of their analysis-it all reflects their training. Their mentor p>
“And?” Cora cut in sharply. “That proves nothing. I’ve read Professor Grimwood’s published works in the academy library. Anyone can learn those terms without ever glancing at your draft!” Her chin lifted, defiance burning bright.
Lylah didn’t react.
“Continue,” Thane urged, his voice quieter now.
“Every future healer also gravitates toward a specific topic,” Lylah went on. “A condition or phenomenon that calls to them more than others. Something they choose to focus on for their research. Like for me, Moon Rot cancer p>
A stir moved through the crowd.
“And?” Cora countered quickly, a smile beginning to curl at her lips. “Everyone in the MDT knows that, Lylah. You joined a project under my mentor, you think that’s unique to you?” Her confidence returned, smooth and practiced. “All that fuss, and this is your ‘evidence’? You really have nothing solid, do you p>
The balance in the room snapped.
Eyes that had once looked at Lylah with admiration began to waver, suspicion threading through the crowd like a growing shadow.
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The Betrayed Princess Rising
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.