Chapter 85
Howell felt a headache coming on. “Were you the one who stirred up this mess online?”
“Yes, but also no!” Evan looked at Jade and Luss. “It all started yesterday, when I discovered that someone had installed screen-monitoring spyware on Lama’s laptop.”
“Come in and tell me everything,” Howell gestured for everyone to enter his office. “Professor Wilder, are you joining us?”
“I have class, so I’ll take my leave,” Erin said. She had only come to support Luna in case Wilson gave her trouble. Now that he was gone, there was no need to stay. “This is only a small matter. I trust that my students can handle it on their own. I hope you’ll believe their words, Mr. Osborne.”
Howell felt the headache again. The incident involved both professors and happened after İgar had just passed away. The timing couldn’t be worse. What a mess!
The group exited Howell’s office after fully explaining the situation and handing over the evidence half an hour later.
Luma stepped up to Rhett and Evan. “Rhett, Evan, thank you so much. Who knows how long this would’ve dragged on if it weren’t for the two of you?” People might have forgotten about the plagiarism if the matter had been dragged out any longer. They would assume she was the one who copied Mia’s work if rumors started spreading.
Besides, Mia was good at twisting the truth. However, things were different now. The identities of the paid trolls had been exposed. It was clear that both plagiarism and defamation had benefited her. The only way forward was to let the investigation play out if she wanted to prove her innocence.
No matter how much preparation Mia had made, they now held two key pieces of evidence: the paid trolls, the screen-monitoring spyware, and Luna’s original thesis. It would still be enough to clear Luna’s name even if they couldn’t tie it directly to Mia. No one could bring those accusations up against her again in the future. Her biggest worries had at least been resolved.
“I didn’t do it just for you,” Rhett looked at her emotionlessly. “I simply don’t want any dirt on my team members. This kind of thing should be properly investigated since it was discussed online.”
Luna believed his words. “I understand. I won’t bring shame to the team, or you and Professor Wilder.”
“Well, then you don’t need to thank me, either. I was just helping Rhett. Besides, it was Jade who asked me to look into it yesterday. It’s not a big deal. No worries,” Evan waved his hand.
His mention of Jade’s name left her momentarily stunned. Things would be sorted out soon. Suzie was already pulling the two boys away before Luna could react. “Alright, that’s enough about that. Mr. Osborne is fair. I’m sure of that now that we’ve given him the evidence.”
“Stop thanking one another. We’re a team now. We’ll go through everything together. That’s what being a team means. Luna, you don’t have any class now, do you? Do you want to come with me to the lab?”
Jade waved to them. “I’ll pass today. I’ve got a class later; I’ll join you guys later this afternoon.”
With that, they all waved goodbye and parted ways. Rhett, Luna, and the rest walked toward the lab, Evan turning to catch up with Jade.
Not far away, Wyatt had already traced the source of the paid trolls and rounded up the culprits. He was now escorting them to the Student Affairs Office. He looked back as they neared the Student Affairs Office. On one side, Evan and Jade were laughing and chatting as they walked toward the academic building, while Luma was heading the other side. He frowned slightly when he saw the bright smile on Jade’s face.