Chapter 43: I Have Asked You So Many Times

In the afternoon, Madelyn retrieved the restored surveillance footage, tucked it safely into her bag, and brought it to the university. Passing the bulletin board, she noticed the swapped-out thesis was still posted and stopped in her tracks. After glancing over it, Madelyn scoffed dismissively. This thesis is so poorly written; it’s not even up to elementary school standards. Janessa is truly despicable! But that’s all right. I will reclaim my innocence myself!

Madelyn didn’t head to the classroom. Instead, she went straight to the Department of Literature office, seeking Yadiel. Upon reaching the entrance, she overheard a conversation between a man and a woman inside.

“Professor Fuller, are you free tonight? I was thinking we could grab dinner together, considering we’ve known each other for quite some time now…”

Yadiel gave an awkward laugh and declined, saying, “I’m sorry, I may not be available tonight.”

“Why are you always unavailable? I’ve asked you out so many times already…” the woman whined. “Professor Fuller, you clearly know how I feel, yet you keep rejecting me. Can’t you give me a chance?”

“Uh…” Yadiel was clearly at a loss for words.

“I’m not that bad, am I? All I want is to have a meal with you, nothing more…”

Listening to this conversation, Madelyn’s curiosity was piqued. Who is she? Her voice sounds so familiar. Driven by curiosity, Madelyn leaned in for a closer look, only to be taken aback. That delicate voice belonged to Professor Pierson? How unexpected. Who would have thought that the usually stern Professor Pierson could also show such a delicate, feminine side? Now I get why she’s always against me. She must have feelings for Yadiel, judging by the way she spoke to him. She must be jealous of me because she sees that Yadiel takes good care of me. God… this is simply an unwarranted disaster! Yadiel merely treats me like a sister, and I consider him nothing more than a brother. Our relationship is purely platonic! Is she blind or what? Okay, that’s enough. I don’t want to think about it anymore.

Madelyn shook her head before knocking on the door to enter.

“Yadiel, Professor Pierson.”

Yadiel was deeply troubled over how to reject Ruth, feeling a headache coming on. The moment he saw Madelyn, however, his gaze instantly softened.

“Madelyn, you’re here.”

Madelyn nodded.

Ruth’s jealousy surged like a wave as she observed their interaction, and her face darkened. Unable to hold back, she reprimanded, “Madelyn, as a female student, you shouldn’t constantly be visiting male teachers’ offices. If someone were to see you, they wouldn’t know what to make of it. Remember, your primary duty is to focus on your studies!”

“Understood,” Madelyn responded. Her jealousy is truly misguided.

She took a flash drive from her bag and handed it to Yadiel.

“Yadiel. I’ve had someone restore and review the footage.”

Yadiel took the flash drive and asked, “Do you know who did it?”

“Yeah, it’s Felicity,” Madelyn stated with absolute certainty.

At that moment, Ruth, who was listening curiously nearby, asked, “What’s going on? What happened?”

Yadiel placed the flash drive on the table in front of him and said straightforwardly, “Professor Pierson, someone has tampered with Madelyn’s thesis on the bulletin board.”

A flicker of doubt passed through Ruth’s eyes. She questioned skeptically, “Really? How do you know!”

“We’ve already checked the surveillance footage and have ample evidence to prove that Madelyn’s thesis was replaced halfway through. Today, Madelyn came to me seeking assistance in clearing her name and proving her innocence.”

A shiver ran through Ruth’s heart, but her facial expression remained unchanged. She had known for quite some time that the thesis had been tampered with. After all, she was the first one to lay eyes on Madelyn’s thesis. However, as long as she could see Madelyn having a hard time, she simply chose to turn a blind eye to the whole situation.

She chuckled and said mockingly, “Professor Pierson, I’m aware that you and Madelyn share a childhood bond. Given the circumstances, it’s only natural for you to favor her. However, this incident has become quite the spectacle, known to all students and staff across the campus. Is it really suitable for you to defend her like this?”

To her surprise, Yadiel suddenly became serious. “Professor Pierson, are you questioning my professionalism? No student should have to endure such an injustice without reason!” The tone of his voice was clearly tinged with anger.

Ruth was taken aback. Not daring to anger Yadiel any further, she said, “All right, I’ll call Felicity over. We’ll confront her directly and see if there’s been any misunderstanding.”

After that, she summoned Felicity. At that moment, Felicity was engaged in a conversation with Janessa. They were talking about Madelyn.

Felicity murmured, “I bet Madelyn hasn’t been eating or sleeping well these days. She must be feeling like a zombie.”

“Haha, she had it coming for writing such a thesis,” Janessa replied, a smug smile playing at the corners of her lips as if this had nothing to do with her.

Right then, the university’s broadcast system suddenly came alive. “Felicity, please report to the office immediately…”

Felicity was taken aback, her face changing color. “Why on earth am I being summoned to the office? Did they find out something!”

Both of them shuddered. Janessa’s expression subtly shifted as she gently warned Felicity, “Felicity, you should know what to do, right? Remember, don’t spout nonsense. Just insist that you didn’t do anything. I’ve already erased the surveillance footage. They won’t be able to find anything, so don’t worry.” They had a common enemy. Felicity nodded emphatically and said, “All right! I’ve got it!”

Following that, Felicity went to the office. Upon entering, she was immediately greeted by the sight of Yadiel, Ruth, and Madelyn, all three of them appearing ready and prepared for what was to come. They must have found out something about the thesis. Felicity’s heart sank. However, she remained calm on the surface. “Professors, why have you summoned me? Is there something you need?”

Ruth was not one for beating around the bush, so she asked outright, “You should know why we’ve summoned you, shouldn’t you, Felicity? Do you realize your mistake?”

“Mistake?” Felicity frowned in confusion. “Professor, I’m not quite following you. Could you tell me, what did I do wrong!”

Ruth adjusted her glasses and said coldly, “Madelyn just pointed out to me that her thesis was tampered with before it was made public. And the person who tampered with her thesis was you.”