My Million-Dollar Lab Became a Rat’s Shrine, and My Boyfriend Stole My Research

“Poor Sissy. Even in death, it’s treated so cruelly. Heidi, you hate it so much… did you poison it? No wonder Sissy died just days after we moved in. You’re heartless!” Xaviera accused.

Before I could even speak, Zack’s face darkened. His voice was icy. “Heidi, I can see it clearly, it’s all your fault. Apologize. Now!”

I almost laughed at the absurdity. There was no way I could possibly listen to them.

Suddenly, Zack seized my wrist, pinning me in place. Xaviera snatched up the dead rat, pressed it against my head and hissed, “Apologize for what you did!”

The instant the stiffened body brushed my skin, I lost control and screamed. From outside, Professor Laird’s voice called sharply, “What’s going on in there? What’s with all the noise?”

Terrified of rats, I abandoned all composure and shouted, “Professor Laird, help me!”

The door swung open and Professor Laird froze, stunned by the sight before her. “What on earth are you doing?”

Xaviera blinked, then burst into tears. “Professor Laird, Heidi insists this lab belongs only to her and none of us are worthy to use it! She even poisoned my Sissy!”

I was stunned by her blatant lie and rushed to defend myself. “That’s not true!”

But Professor Laird waved me off impatiently. “Enough! I’m not here to hear excuses. I don’t care about your grudges. Heidi, apologize to Xaviera. Right now.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “She turned my lab into a funeral hall for a rat! Why should I apologize to her?”

Professor Laird sneered. “I heard you’ve already applied to suspend your experiments. I’ve seen people like you before. And you still dare to ask why? Someone like you, contributing nothing to the institute, living idly while waiting for death, what right do you have to demand answers?”

I clenched my fists. I had suspended my experiments only to pursue new research and I had already planned to leave.

If the dean hadn’t begged me three times a day to stay on as an honorary professor—even at his advanced age—I would never have remained here.

As for contributions… no one in this institute had given more than I had.

It was because of me that its research and technology had reached world-class standards. Because of me, the university had secured countless top-tier resources.

Even this very laboratory existed only thanks to the donation of the world-renowned Bulwark Group.

Yet Professor Laird looked me up and down with nothing but disdain. Then, turning toward Xaviera, her expression shifted in an instant, breaking into a warm smile.

“Xaviera, how’s your dance rehearsal coming along? I heard the Bulwark Group will arrive today and tomorrow is the official welcome ceremony. That’ll be your moment. I’m certain your performance will amaze everyone and bring great honor to the school.”

“I’ve been ready,” she said proudly, then let her smile falter with a touch of sorrow. “But after the way she shrieked at me today… I feel so upset. It’s making me lose all focus on my performance.”

Zack immediately added, “If you upset Xaviera and she fails at the welcome party and the Bulwark Group takes offense, you’ll be guilty for life!”

Professor Laird’s expression shifted at once.

She dug her long, crimson-painted nails into my scalp and barked, “Apologize! Now! You’re nothing but a troublemaker. I don’t expect you to bring any honor to the institute, just don’t do anything foolish and that will be enough!”