bEven /bCarlos wore a soft smile–something rarely seen. He made no effort to hide how proud he was bof /bAriel.

The other experts, who had initially seemed cold and distant, were now animated as they gathered around Ariel, eager to discuss the contents of her paper.

The spotlight was firmly on Ariel. Surrounded by renowned figures everything else faded into the background.

Nancy watched in stunned silence as something she had never imagined unfolded before her eyes. She sat frozen, unsure how to respond or how to appear unaffected. Her fingers slowly turned coll.

Frederick, still reeling from shock, finally snapped out of it. The thunderous apuse and the students‘ enthusiastic discussions about Ariel’s paper made it clear just how extraordinary she was.

Yet Frederick’s concern shifted to Nancy. When he looked at her, her face was expressionless.

He clenched his fistsb, /bthen stood and directed his gaze toward Ariel “I have a question. When did you start writing that research paper, Ariel?”

His voice was loud enough to draw attention.

Ariel looked at him calmly, waiting for him to continue.

Frederick’s brows furrowed. “Everyone’s saying this paper is wless. But Ariel’s only been in this field for a short time. How is it possible that she’s already one of the top researchers in less than six months?

“She’s different from Ms. Stanton, who went through formal training and worked hard to get where she is. Yet Ariel, a neer, managed to publish in a journal far more prestigious than the one Ms. Stanton was published in?”

Nancy pursed her lips but said nothing.

Still, she found Frederick’s doubts reasonable. Ariel had only recently entered the field. If she were truly that capableb, /bwhy hadn’t anyone heard of her before?

Nancy quickly aligned herself with Frederick’s opinion, and the tightness in her chest eased slightly.

The lively atmosphere in the hall dimmed as Frederick’s remarks hung in the air. People began turning their attention toward him.

Jayson’s brows twitched slightly. His gaze shifted toward Frederick.

Carlos fixed Frederick with a piercing gaze. “Tell us, then. What exactly do you find unreasonable about her publishing this paper?”

Frederick’s frown deepened. “Mr. Carlos, I’m not trying to ruin the mood. I’m just struggling to understand. Ariel is only in her 20s. Is it really usible that she wrote a paper of such exceptional quality?

“You recently epted her as your student, and now she’s published a top–tier paper in record timeb. /bIf she’s truly that talented, why hasn’t anyone heard of her before?”

The tension in the room escted.

It was clear what Frederick was implying–that Ariel might not have written the paper herself.

Carlos chuckled in exasperation. “Are you using me or Ariel of professional misconduct?”

Frederick’s tone grew serious. “Mr. Carlos, I’m not making usations. I’m simply curious how someone so new to the field could produce a paper that’s being hailed as groundbreaking.”

Nancy, now calmer, considered the possibility. She had consulted cedric while writing her own paper. Perhaps Ariel had asked Carlos to write one for her, using his influence to boost her reputation.

bChapter /b468

Once it bwas /bbproven /bthat Ariel had done something like that, her ac experienced experts were at the event, and they wouldn’t allow a

Nancy’s expression softened slightly at the thought.

Those were the consequences Ariel would face for wanting to start her capabilities.

The audience watched in suspense, unsure how the situation woul

Ariel couldn’t help but notice how Frederick seemed like Nancy’s

Chad saw through Frederick’s intentions as well. He snickered, th acted as though none of this concerned her.

With a cryptic expression, Chad asked, “Ms. Stanton, do you reme the international academic conference in Nacsall?”

+15 bBONUS /b

Once bit /bbwas /bproven that Ariel had done something like thatb, /bher academic career would be over. Many renowned and experienced experts were at bthe /bevent, and they wouldn’t allow a wrongdoer to tarnish the breputation /bof the entire group.

Nancy’s expression softened slightly at the thought.

Those were the consequences Ariel would face for wanting to stand out and iming aplishments that were clearly beyond her capabilities.

The audience watched bin /bsuspense, unsure how the situation would unfold. More eyes turned toward Ariel.

Ariel couldn’t help but notice how Frederick seemed like Nancy’s loyal mouthpiece.

Chad saw through Frederick’s intentions as well. He snickered, then cast a piercing nce at Nancyb, /bwho remained silent and acted as though none of this concerned her.

With a cryptic expression, Chad asked, “Ms. Stanton, do you remember the research paper that was used bas /ban example during the international academic conference in Nacsall?”