Left in Darkness

Wendy jolted awake.

Falsifying data was a serious crime. It was a career-ending disaster for a researcher. If she were accused of fraud, she would not only be unable to graduate but also lose her chance to study abroad.

She had spent a month working late nights to gather the data for her thesis. She could not figure out who would accuse her of fabrication.

"Professor, you know I conducted the experiments myself. There was no way I plagiarized."

Professor Wayson let out a heavy sigh. "My trust isn't enough. You need evidence.

"But there's only less than two weeks left before graduation. Even if you submit a timeline of your experiments, it will not be reviewed in time for your graduation.

"The only way is to talk to the person who reported you and convince them to withdraw the complaint."

"Who reported me?" Wendy immediately asked.

"Natelie."

Wendy felt extremely helpless when she heard the name.

She had no idea why Natelie would not leave her alone.

Natelie even wanted to ruin her academic career.

Meanwhile, Lucas was nowhere to be found.

She did not have direct contact with Natelie and had no idea where to find her.

With no other choice, she searched for Cole Corporation's address online and rushed over, hoping to run into her.

She stood outside for four hours without drinking a single drop of water. Her body had not fully recovered from the kidney removal surgery; she could not endure such standing and hunger.

Just as she was about to collapse, two familiar figures walked out of the building—Natelie and Lucas.

Wendy struggled and stepped forward to block their way.

Lucas was startled to see her there, his voice uneasy as he said, "Wendy, why are you here?"

All Wendy wanted was to get Natalie to withdraw the report—nothing else mattered.

"Ms. Cole, I gathered all my data through experiments. There was no fraud. Please withdraw your complaint."

Lucas had no idea about the situation. "What—"

Natelie interrupted him with a smile. "What if I have doubts? The university will investigate whether it is genuine, and they will decide."

The investigation would take at least two weeks. She did not have that much time.

"Ms. Cole, tell me. What will it take for you to withdraw the complaint?"

Wendy knew Natelie did that on purpose. She decided to be straightforward.

Natelie did not even spare her a glance.

"You ruined my shopping mood yesterday. What about this? Stand here and apologize loudly. I will withdraw the complaint when I forgive you. What do you think?"

Lucas frowned, but he remained silent.

Wendy took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions surging in her heart.

She stood at the company's entrance, where people constantly came and went.

Then, she said, "I am sorry. Please forgive me."

People turned to look at her, their gazes filled with curiosity and ridicule.

Wendy had never felt such humiliation. But she had no choice.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Natelie chuckled.

"Why is your voice so soft?" Natelie asked.

Wendy shut her eyes, ignoring the pain in her abdomen, and raised her voice.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

She had lost count of her repeated words. The mocking stares and Natelie's amused expression blurred in her vision.

The pain in her stomach got stronger. Her body could no longer hold on. She collapsed.

At the last moment, she saw Lucas running toward her in a panic before she closed her eyes.