Chapter 39: Hardly Deserved Your Kindness
“No problem,” Yadiel readily agreed. “How can I help you?”
Madelyn said, “Actually, after I finished writing that thesis that day, I was worried about unforeseen circumstances, so I made a backup and sent it to my email. The email shows the time it was sent, which can serve as evidence. However, this obviously isn’t enough.”
Having said that, Madelyn looked at Yadiel with a helpless gaze. “Yadiel, could you perhaps help me check the surveillance footage?”
Yadiel paused, slightly confused. “What surveillance footage are you asking for?”
“I had checked in advance. The hallway of Professor Pierson’s office was under surveillance. Hence, if someone had tampered with anything, there would definitely be security footage. However,” Madelyn spoke, appearing somewhat troubled, “since they had the audacity to switch out my thesis, they certainly would have made thorough preparations. It’s highly likely that even the surveillance footage has already been destroyed. Yadiel, I have to rely on you for this matter. Could you please think of a way to help me obtain a copy of the surveillance footage!”
Making a copy of the surveillance footage wasn’t a big deal. However, Yadiel was somewhat puzzled. “But you said it yourself. The surveillance footage might have already been destroyed. How do you plan on investigating, then?”
Taking a deep breath, Madelyn pondered momentarily before speaking calmly and resolutely. “Yadiel, don’t worry. I have my ways to handle this.”
Upon hearing that, Yadiel subtly nodded in response. Yadiel suddenly found that Madelyn seemed to have changed a bit. The Madelyn of the past was relatively carefree and wasn’t as meticulous. Even when wronged, all she did was vent her frustrations to Yadiel and then let it pass. But now, she was determined to find a way to prove herself.
With a chuckle, Yadiel couldn’t help but sigh, saying, “Madelyn, have you noticed? You’ve changed from before.”
Madelyn was taken aback. She let out an awkward laugh and said, “It’s not really like that, Yadiel. I just suddenly realized how terrible I was before, being unlearned and incompetent. I don’t want to waste my life anymore. After all, we only live once.” Moreover, this lifetime is an extra opportunity bestowed upon me by the heavens.
Given a second chance, Madelyn was determined not to repeat the past. She intended to return all the pain she had endured to those who had harmed her.
Upon noticing the transformation in Madelyn, Yadiel couldn’t help but feel a surge of exhilaration and comfort.
In the end, Yadiel added, “In that case, come find me to get the copy of the footage in the afternoon after school.”
“Fantastic. Thank you, Yadiel,” Madelyn said with a vigorous nod. Yadiel smiled in response. Subsequently, Madelyn went back to the classroom.
As soon as she walked through the door, Felicity’s mocking voice echoed. “Well, well! Isn’t this our class’s Ms. Genius? I’m truly sorry for not welcoming you sooner!”
Upon hearing these words, Madelyn rolled her eyes at Felicity. Felicity was startled by the cold stare, but she patted her chest, feigning surprise, and retorted, “Oh my, if you have the guts to write such a thesis, don’t you have the nerve to hear people talk about it? I really don’t know where you get the nerve. How could you have presented such a paper with pride? Just admit that you hired a ghostwriter. After all, given your level, we can understand why you’d have someone else write it for you. But you, you just had to shoot yourself in the foot, didn’t you? Now look at the mess you’ve made. Not only have you embarrassed yourself, but you’ve also brought shame to the entire Department of Finance. Madelyn, do you even have a conscience?”
As Felicity mocked, the surrounding classmates nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Janessa, after contentedly watching from the sidelines for quite some time, stepped in once more to play the good Samaritan.
“Felicity, don’t speak of Madelyn like that,” Janessa said pretentiously. “I believe Madelyn didn’t hire a ghostwriter. Her good performance in the last test could have been due to an exceptional effort. All in all, I trust Madelyn. She’s definitely not the type to cheat. This must be a misunderstanding.”
However, Felicity merely scoffed. “Janessa, you certainly are loyal and devoted. Unfortunately, someone like her hardly deserves your kindness, don’t you think?”
“Madelyn and I have always been besties. You can’t talk about us like that.” Janessa continued to uphold her image as a loyal friend.
The two engaged in a lively exchange, with Janessa putting on an impeccable, pretentious act. Their other students were convinced of Janessa’s sincerity and righteousness, believing her to be a good girl.
Madelyn was unfazed as they watched them perform. She merely curled the corner of her lips into a faint sneer.
At that moment, seeing that she had achieved her goal and everyone was lavishing praises on her, Janessa feigned concern and comforted Madelyn, “Madelyn, please don’t take Felicity’s words to heart. She tends to speak impulsively. Rest assured, I believe in you.”
Madelyn found her pretentious demeanor utterly nauseating. She then gave a hollow laugh, brushing it off, saying, “Thank you for believing in me. I knew it. You always treat me best.”
“Of course, we’re besties, after all,” Janessa said with a coquettish laugh.
After class ended, Madelyn was eager to acquire the surveillance footage from Yadiel, so she hastily gathered her things. Without waiting for Janessa to approach, she promptly left.
While walking down the corridor, someone tugged at Madelyn. When she turned around, she saw Jillian standing before her. Jillian appeared somewhat uneasy, looking as though she wanted to say something but held back, which left Madelyn slightly puzzled.
“Jillian, what’s the matter?”
“I… Feeling slightly embarrassed, Jillian hesitated to speak. Nevertheless, she mustered her courage and said, “Madelyn, rest assured. No matter what others say about you, I believe you didn’t do those things.”
Upon hearing those words, Madelyn felt a sense of warmth filling her chest. She’s the first person to believe in me, aside from Yadiel. Madelyn was moved by Jillian’s sincerity and responded with a heartfelt smile, “Okay. Thank you.”
After saying that, Madelyn quickly rushed to Yadiel’s office.
“Yadiel, have you finished copying the surveillance footage!”
Yadiel looked up. Seeing her approach, he flashed a bright smile. “The surveillance footage from that afternoon when you entered the examination hall to the day the results were announced are all here.”
As he spoke, Yadiel picked up a box of videotapes from the table and handed it to Madelyn.
“However, the contents have indeed been thoroughly erased. Madelyn, what do you plan to do!” Yadiel looked at Madelyn with concern.
Upon receiving the videotapes, Madelyn unexpectedly smiled. “With this surveillance footage, I’ve already won half the battle. Even if the contents have been erased, it doesn’t matter. I have a way to recover it.”
Of course, Madelyn didn’t forget to express her gratitude repeatedly. “Thank you, Yadiel. I really wouldn’t have known what to do without your help.”
Yadiel gently ran his hand through her hair, his movements tender. “You’re welcome. If you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“All right, then. I’ll be going first.” Madelyn firmly nodded her head. Afterward, she left the school and immediately hailed a cab outside, heading for Lockhart Group.