Madison said, “We were all there at the time. It wasn’t like the lab was unattended. The machine was just in standby mode because we weren’t using it temporarily. We were going to use it again later. Who in their right mind would cut the power?”

Miranda already had her suspicions, but she needed more proof. “Let’s go check out the lab across the hall,” she suggested.

Madison looked confused. “Why check theirs? That lab is for a different department. It has nothing to do with us.”

Sensing something strange, Sebastian quickly followed along. “Just go. Why are you asking so many questions?”

Madison was speechless. Since when did he get so bold?

When the three of them reached the other lab, they noticed the corner of the room had a full set of fire safety equipment installed.

“What?” Madison was dumbfounded. “That wasn’t there last month!”

They checked several more labs, and without exception, all of them had been outfitted with the necessary fire safety gear. Where equipment had been missing, it was now in place.

A chill ran down Madison’s spine. “Are we being targeted?”

Every lab in the building had suddenly been updated with the required fire safety equipment, except theirs.

Until now, Madison had thought it was just bad luck–they’d been randomly inspected and caught in violation. But now it was clear that someone was behind this.

Miranda let out a cold laugh and led them straight to the associate dean’s office.

Joseph instantly recognized the three as Christine’s postgraduate students. Miranda, in particular, stood out, as she was the first of the year’s cohort to get published in “Science.”

The scene at that faculty meeting when her accomplishment was announced was still fresh in his mind.

“Miranda, what brings you here?” Joseph asked, immediately putting on a friendly smile, especially after Paul and Sam had both hinted he should pay attention to her.

“Mr. Banks, are you aware that our lab has been ordered to shut down for rectification?” Miranda asked bluntly.

Joseph nodded. “Yes, I heard about it. Is there a problem?”

“Well, there are several problems. First, why do all the other labs have complete fire safety equipment while ours is missing essential items? Second, I heard this was supposed to be a random inspection. So why, of all places, were we the ones chosen?”

Joseph’s expression tightened. “What are you implying?”

Miranda continued, “I imagine the college has certain safety targets it needs to meet, right? If a lab fails, the college is held accountable.

“I’m sure a smart man like you wouldn’t do anything to sabotage your own reputation. But who’s to say someone else isn’t setting you up for a fall? If we go down, Mr. Banks, you’re going down with us.”

Joseph’s eyes flashed with uncertainty. “What exactly are you saying, Miranda?”

“If I were you, I’d investigate whether all these so-called ‘coincidences’ are really just coincidences or something else entirely.”

With that, she turned and left, taking Madison and Sebastian with her.

Joseph remained seated, deep in thought. After a long moment, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Come to my office… Yes, right away!”

As they walked down the hallway, Madison still looked confused. “Miranda, what did all of that mean? I feel like I didn’t understand a word.”

Sebastian, clearly more in tune with the situation, explained, “The fire inspection team only targeted us. Why do you think that is?”

“W–Why?” Madison asked.

“Because someone reported us!”

“Tell me, was it you who filed the complaint?” Joseph asked, glaring coldly at the woman standing in front of him.