The moment Yasmine accused Miranda of cheating, everyone’s expressions shifted. But Miranda simply smiled.

She looked Yasmine straight in the eye and asked, “What exactly do you mean by cheating?”

Yasmine shrugged. “Plenty of things, like paying someone to pull strings, using connections to sneak in through the back door, or maybe even hiring someone to write the paper for you. It’s not impossible.”

Before Miranda could respond, Madison dashed to the front row and grabbed a microphone. She hurriedly handed it to her while beaming.

“Go for it, Miranda! Shut them down! I love watching drama!” she thought to herself.

Miranda accepted the microphone and tested it out. It was loud and clear. Perfect.

“Yasmine… Xander, right?” Miranda began, her voice carrying through the room. “First of all, you’re giving me way too much credit.

“I don’t have the money or the connections to bribe ‘Science’ editors, let alone convince a bunch of seasoned researchers halfway across the world to do me a favor and approve my paper just because I’m some ordinary graduate student.

“As for hiring someone to write it for me… sure, that sounds like a solid plan. But what exactly could I offer someone capable of writing a ‘Science’ paper that would make them willingly ghostwrite for me?”

Miranda’s gaze sharpened. “You seem familiar with these so-called ‘under-the-table rules.’ Why don’t you teach me how it’s done?”

Yasmine flared up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “What nonsense are you spouting! When did I ever hire someone to write for me? If you’re so bold, show me proof!”

Miranda raised an eyebrow. “Did I say you hired someone? You don’t need to be so quick to defend yourself, unless… that guilty reaction makes it seem like you have something to hide?”

“I-…” Yasmine was completely speechless.

Miranda smirked. “You demand I show proof. Well, by the same logic, I’m asking you to do the same.”

Yasmine’s face flushed red as she sank back into her seat, utterly defeated.

Miranda watched her closely, her gaze deepening.

Hank opened his mouth, looking like he wanted to say something, but seeing the microphone in Miranda’s hand, he thought better of it. He wasn’t about to volunteer for another public takedown.

At this point, Sophie broke the silence. But instead of addressing Miranda, she turned to the leadership on stage.

“Mr. Heckle, could you tell us if Miranda’s ‘Science’ paper has a corresponding author?”

Miranda was listed as the first author, but who was the corresponding author?

Jackson nodded. “Yes, there is one.”