BookToReadFor once, a rare smile flickered across Charlie's face.
He made no effort to hide his pride.
Around them, the seasoned veterans who had managed to maintain their dignified airs until now-couldn't help showing their delight. One after another, they crowded around Elodie, eager to strike up a conversation. She found herself at the center of attention, basking in a glow that seemed to dim everything else in the room. Sylvie could only stare, stunned, as this scene-something she'd never even imagined-unfolded right before her eyes. She sat rigid, uncertain how to compose herself, unsure what expression might help her keep her composure. Her fingers grew cold as she gripped the edge of her seat.
It took Grady a moment to recover from his own shock. The sound of applause, the buzz of students excitedly discussing what they'd just witnessed-every bit of it underscored the sthing: in everyone's eyes, Elodie was exceptional, a rare talent.
But Grady's gaze kept drifting to Sylvie, concerned for how she must be feeling. When he looked over, Sylvie's face was nearly expressionless.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtGrady's jaw tightened. He stood, fixing his attention on Elodie. "I have a question," he said, his voice cutting through the hum of conversation. "Elodie, when did you actually write this paper?" Heads turned in his direction, the interruption unmistakable.
Elodie met his eyes, calm and unruffled, waiting for him to continue.
Grady's brow furrowed. "From what everyone is saying, this paper is flawless- truly outstanding. But Elodie's only just entered the field. She switched tracks less than six months ago, and already she's at the top of the industry? She's not Ms. Fielding, someone who's climbed every rung through years of systematic training. But now, Elodie's published in a journal even more prestigious than Ms. Fielding ever has?" Sylvie pressed her lips together, silent.
But she couldn't help feeling that Grady's doubts made sense.
How long had Elodie even been in the field? If she was this remarkable, how had Sylvie never even heard of her before? Sylvie quickly latched on to Grady's skepticism. The tightness in her chest, that numb chill, eased a little.
The fevered excitement in the room faltered, a hush falling in the wake of Grady's words.
All eyes turned to him.
Even Jarrod's eyebrows twitched ever so slightly as he let his gaze settle on Grady.
Charlie's sharp eyes narrowed. "Then tell us," he said coolly, "what exactly do you find so suspicious?" Grady's frown deepened. "Professor, I don't mean to dampen the mood.
I'm just trying to understand. How old is she, really? Is it reasonable for someone so young to produce work of this caliber? Everyone knows Elodie becyour student just recently, and then this paper appeared almost immediately. If she's this brilliant, why has no one ever heard of her before?" The tension in the room spiked.
Everyone could hear what he was really implying- He was accusing Elodie of academic dishonesty.
Charlie, however, only chuckled. "So, Grady, are you doubting Elodie or are you doubting me?" Grady's expression turned grave. "Professor, would never suggest anything of the sort. I only want to know: Elodie's barely started in this field. How could she possibly have written a paper that's already making waves in the academic world?" Sylvie, too, began to consider the possibility.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIf she could ask Mr. Ferguson for guidance on her own work, then why couldn't Elodie have had Mr. Sterling help her write a paper-one that would give her a golden reputation? If Elodie really was exposed here today, she'd be finished-her nerased from the academic community.
After all, the room was filled with the field's most respected figures. They'd never allow someone guilty of fraud to tarnish their reputation. With that thought, Sylvie's rigid posture softened.
This, she thought, was what happened when someone tried to someone steal the spotlight with abilities that En weren't truly their own. More than a few people in the crowd were now uneasy, wondering where this confrontation would lead.
Their gazes flicked repeatedly to Elodie.
Elodie, meanwhile, found herself rather impressed-Grady made for a useful attack dog.
Alexander, too, understood Grady's
intentions. He suddenly let out a dry laugh, his eyes locking onto Sylvie, who had been staying silent and looking as if none of this concerned her. sŵ He spoke, his tone loaded with meaning: "Ms. Fielding, do you remember that sample paper you studied at the academic conference in New York City?"
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