Chapter 332
All these years of Victoria Lowell's actions. Did you really not know?
"You didn't offer support. But you chose silence. Silence is a form of indulgence.
"My students. Three kids. Bullied since they enrolled. The school didn't protect them. The university turned a blind eye. What? You thought because I'm sickly, I couldn't jump up and fight you?!
"I remember you loved to say when you were young: sooner or later, everyone pays their dues. Now it's time for the university to pay up!"
Nora Frost was shaking with anger. "If you're resentful, we can talk. Is it necessary to ensure mutual destruction? What good does giving up authorship do for you, besides spiting the university? They are your students. Their output should rightfully be under your name!"
Eleanor Watson said, "I don't need any benefits. I don't need the achievements either. I've had enough in this lifetime. But the kids' roads are just beginning. Forget authorship. Even if it cost me my life, I would fight for their dignity!"
"You—"
Eleanor Watson enunciated each word clearly. "You look after your own. I'd rather forgo empty fame than let those who hurt them benefit from it! That's it. This time I didn't put my name. I never will in the future. The university better be prepared. Don't make a fuss."
Nora Frost: "..."
He could already foresee the future.
No matter how many academic achievements Sophia Sullivan and the other two produced.
None of it would be related to the university.
Charlie Wilson saw his livid expression.
He spoke cautiously. "Well? Is there any room for negotiation?"
"Not a damn bit! Extend Blake Cunningham's punishment to 12 months!"
Nora Frost turned and went back into his office.
He slammed the door shut.
Charlie Wilson was terrified.
He had never seen Nora this angry before.
...
Thwack!
In the lab's lounge area.
Marcus Lawrence hit the bullseye again.
He simply threw the remaining darts all at once.
Thwack, thwack, thwack—
Fast and accurate.
All tens!
"Wow—" Hannah Morse was dumbfounded. "Marcus, have you practiced? That's so accurate!"
Marcus Lawrence said, "Practiced for a few months."
"..." A few months? Was he humblebragging?
Hannah Morse said, "Do you think the school has gotten the news yet?"
Marcus Lawrence unscrewed his water bottle. "Probably."
"Then why is there no reaction at all?"
Sophia Sullivan put away her phone.
She looked up. "It's Professor Watson. She has already dealt with the school."
"What did the school say?" Hannah Morse's eyes widened.
"Nothing to say."
"Serves them right. They didn't help when we were being bullied. Now they see benefits and want to get close. How can such a good thing exist in the world? Today is a good day. I've decided to have a cheat meal."
Marcus Lawrence frowned. "I thought you weren't dieting anymore?"
Hannah Morse said, "I'm not. But last week's physical showed fatty liver disease. I need to control it."
Marcus Lawrence: "..."
"What's that expression for?! Looking down on me!"
"No..."
"Yes, you are!"
"I wanted to say... let me help you with your diet."
"You?" Hannah Morse looked skeptical. "Can you? You've never dieted."
"Who said I haven't—"
Hannah Morse: "Hmm?"
Marcus Lawrence: "...Anyway, I can help. Don't believe me? Let's try."
"Come on!"
"Okay. Tomorrow morning at six. I'll wait for you downstairs."
"Wh-what for?"
"Morning run."
Hannah Morse: "You know... I suddenly think dieting is my own business. I better not trouble you!"
Evening.
Before leaving the lab.
Marcus Lawrence had already walked out.
He came back to Hannah Morse. "Remember. Six tomorrow morning."
"Wait... I didn't agree! Come back—"
Marcus Lawrence turned a deaf ear.
He walked straight away.
Hannah Morse: "?"
...
January 29th.
Marcus Lawrence's birthday.
It happened to be a Saturday.
His family wanted to invite relatives and friends to gather.
Not public.
No big fuss.
Just a regular family dinner.
Liam Lawrence called his son over.
He said he could invite a table of his own friends.
Marcus Lawrence immediately invited Sophia Sullivan and Hannah Morse.
On the day of the birthday.
Sophia Sullivan and Hannah Morse set out from the lab.
Headed to the Lawrence residence.
Before coming.
They had thought Marcus Lawrence's family was unusual.
But when they really arrived at the door.
And saw the patrolling security team with their own eyes.
They realized just how "unusual" it was.