Chapter 258

"The data deletion is serious, but Evelyn has worked with us for so long. I trust her character." Natalie adjusted her glasses, her tone firm. "We shouldn't accuse anyone without proof."

Camille hadn't expected the usually neutral Natalie to be the first to speak up. Her nails dug into her palms, but she maintained a composed smile.

Vincent immediately agreed. "Exactly. Evelyn is meticulous. She'd never make such a mistake."

Oliver kept his head down, his gaze shifting uneasily.

"Appearances can be deceiving," Camille said softly, each word laced with venom. "Who knows what someone might hide behind a friendly face?"

She turned to the group. "The data was there yesterday morning when I checked. Now it's gone. Natalie and Vincent left first yesterday afternoon, followed by Oliver and me. Only Evelyn and Professor Klein remained."

"Professor Klein would never do this, which leaves—"

"Are you sure you checked the data before leaving?" Evelyn interrupted.

Camille's expression faltered. "Of course! What are you implying?"

"Then let's review the surveillance footage," Evelyn met her gaze squarely. "The data disappeared after you left. The cameras will show us the truth."

Natalie clapped her hands. "Good idea. The lab has 24/7 surveillance."

Camille scoffed. "Fine. Let's check. I wouldn't want anyone accusing me of false allegations."

In the security room, the guard frowned as he pulled up the recordings. "That's odd. We have footage from the past month, except for yesterday and the day before."

"See?" Camille pointed accusingly at Evelyn. "No wonder you suggested checking the cameras. You tampered with them!"

Professor Klein entered just then, taking in the scene. "What's going on?"

"Professor!" Camille's eyes instantly welled up. "My experimental data was deleted—a week's worth of work. And now the surveillance footage from last night is missing. Evelyn was the last one here..."

Natalie hurried to explain. "Professor, we don't have all the facts yet."

Vincent nodded. "Evelyn isn't capable of this."

Oliver stood in the corner, staring at Camille's profile. They'd gone shopping and dined together these past few days. When had she found time to work on that dataset...?

Professor Klein questioned them thoroughly about the timing and storage location of the missing data. Camille answered flawlessly, every detail precise.

The tension thickened.

Evelyn suddenly laughed softly. "Finding the culprit is actually quite simple."