Chapter 112: When the Truth Bites

“But how did you know about this? Not many people are aware that it’s connected to me.” The academic report hadn’t been officially released; it was only sent to certain departments and associations for review. Sierra didn’t respond to his question directly, but scoffed. “An opportunity? You call stealing someone else’s work an opportunity?”

“Sierra!” Evan couldn’t hold back any longer and shouted, “I’ve been patient with you, but don’t push it; I haven’t stolen anything from anyone!” Evan had his pride. He could tolerate Sierra’s poor treatment of him, but he couldn’t stand her accusing him of stealing someone else’s achievements.

Watching Evan’s indignant reaction, Sierra challenged him, “Then can you swear that all these ideas were entirely your own?” She knew Evan well enough to know what tactics worked best with him. Sure enough, Evan’s brow furrowed deeply, and after a moment, he admitted, “Although I didn’t come up with those ideas alone, they have nothing to do with theft; we were collaborators.”

“Tell me, who is this collaborator?” Sierra pressed him, noticing his particular concern over the matter.

“Why are you so interested in this?”

“Because your collaborator stole from me,” Sierra articulated clearly. “What?” Evan’s face went pale, and without thinking, he shook his head. “That’s impossible! Yaron is a PhD, he’s also extremely talented; how could he possibly steal from you, just a freshman!”

“Sierra, there are things you shouldn’t accuse people of recklessly!”

Sierra was used to Evan belittling her. The people of the Xander family always spoke with regret, but deep down, they still looked down on her. However, this wasn’t a wasted trip; she had heard Yaron’s name from Evan’s own lips. It was Yaron! Sierra felt both surprised and unsurprised. Unsurprised because she already knew Yaron’s character well enough to expect such actions from him. The real surprise was how he got his hands on her research.

She thought back to her encounters with Yaron since her release from jail, pinpointing a moment when he might have seen her notes fall to the ground.

As Sierra was piecing her thoughts together, Evan spoke earnestly, “I don’t know where you got the idea that the publication I’m involved with has to do with you. I know you don’t like me, nor do you like the Xander family, because you feel we’ve overlooked you in the past. I admit that’s true. But that doesn’t give you a reason to falsely accuse me. Don’t let your hatred lead you astray.”

Evan’s earnest admonition almost made Sierra laugh; he actually thought she was fabricating this just to get back at him. Where did he get such confidence! But he did remind her of something. Initially, Sierra had wanted to resolve this matter quickly, but now she wasn’t in a hurry. “The document hadn’t been published yet, and no one knew it was connected to Evan. But once it was published with Evan’s name on it, and his professor appeared as the advisor, then she would tell everyone that Evan’s work was stolen.” She wondered what Evan’s face would look like then.

10:53 AM

Take some time; you should gather more evidence in the meantime.

Sierra’s research was well-documented: the truth of who started the research first was clear, and her drafts were also undeniable. Once they were released, anyone knowledgeable would instantly know who was legitimate.

Worried Sierra might not know what to do, Jonathan even gave her some guidance. Seeing this, Sierra couldn’t help but look at Jonathan. “Don’t you think I’m being too harsh on Evan?” After all, Evan was also a victim here; he believed all this was Yaron’s doing, unaware that Yaron was actually a thief.

Jonathan scoffed lightly. “He needs to learn to judge people better.”

“Besides,” he added, “he always says you’re like a sister to him, that they regret their past actions and want to make it up to you, but when it comes to the crunch, they always choose to abandon you.”