Chapter 433

Hannah Flores' eyes widened, her throat tightening as her fingers unconsciously clutched Evelyn Langley's sleeve.

"Evelyn... There isn't another Evelyn Langley at our university, right?"

Liam Kalmien rubbed his forehead. "Are you out of your mind?"

"This is called being cautious!" Hannah lifted her chin stubbornly. "What if we got the wrong person? That'd be so awkward..."

Evelyn blinked, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Pretty sure... I'm the only one."

"Ahhh—" Hannah sprang up like a coiled spring. "My roommate is a prodigy! My bestie is a genius! Evelyn, I'm sticking with you from now on!"

Liam scoffed. "Pathetic."

"Oh, you're so impressive? Then go form your own team." Hannah rolled her eyes.

Liam turned directly to Evelyn. "When did you submit the paper?"

Hannah immediately leaned in closer.

"During summer break," Evelyn replied softly.

Liam nodded thoughtfully.

At the podium, President Hu clapped excitedly. "Would Evelyn Langley please come up and share her experience?"

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the auditorium.

Even Victor Dimucci raised his hand to clap lightly.

Zachary Omelas turned in surprise. "Senior, you..."

A rare smile touched Victor's lips. "The path of scientific research is never short of geniuses."

His gaze grew distant. "A hundred flowers blooming together—that's the true way forward."

Audrey Escent's expression, however, darkened—shifting from shock to jealousy, then twisting into bitter resentment.

Beatrice Merouin's smile vanished completely, her eyes turning icy.

Evelyn walked steadily to the stage.

"Scientific research is a lonely marathon," her clear voice rang out. "Some give up midway, others lose their way. Only by holding fast to your original intent can you reach the finish line."

With that, she bowed to the audience, her gaze locking onto Beatrice Merouin's team.

Beatrice's fingers twitched, unable to meet her eyes.

Victor's dark eyes deepened like ink.

"I have a question!" Audrey suddenly stood up.

President Hu motioned for her to speak.

"It's only been two months since the semester started. How could she possibly complete a Science-level project?"

The room fell silent.

"From topic selection to experiments, data analysis to paper writing—the normal process takes at least a year." Audrey raised her voice. "Unless—"

She pointed sharply at Evelyn. "She plagiarized!"

The air froze.