004

EVELYN'S POV

After messaging the lawyer I had contacted the previous night, I spent the morning organising my research notes and reviewing the information Adrian and I had discussed. There was still much to investigate, and the Medical Evolution System had made it clear that time was not on my side.

There was one last thing I needed, and it was back at the apartment. I stood up, grabbed my keys and I left.

By the time I arrived, I noticed the place was empty and Daniel wasn't home. I've never been more grateful, ever.

I dropped my bag onto the sofa and glanced around the living room. I had once imagined building a future here with Daniel, but those dreams meant nothing to me anymore.

I was about to undress when I heard voices approaching from the hallway.

“She actually wants a divorce?” Vanessa asked, amusement evident in her voice.

“Apparently. She's been acting strangely since yesterday.”

“Maybe she's finally realised you deserve better.”

I looked toward the doorway just as they walked into the living room.

Daniel had his arm wrapped around Vanessa's waist, while she rested a hand against his chest.

Vanessa noticed me first, and her smile vanished. Daniel immediately withdrew his arm.

“Well,” I said, folding my arms. “This saves me the trouble of asking.”

“Evelyn, don't start,” Daniel warned.

“Start what? I haven't said anything yet.”

Vanessa quickly recovered, lifting her chin as though she had nothing to be ashamed of. “Well, I guess we don't have to hide this from you anymore. Besides, I heard you both are getting a divorce.”

I stared at her, amazed by her audacity.

Daniel stepped between us. “Can we have a conversation without you two attacking each other?”

I let out a disbelieving laugh.

“You're defending her? After everything you've done?”

“Lower your voice, Evelyn.”

“Or what?”

His expression darkened. “You're embarrassing yourself.”

“No, Daniel. I'm finally seeing you for who you are.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “You and Daniel haven't had a proper marriage for months. He's been unhappy for a long time.”

“And that gave you the right to sleep with him?”

“I didn't force him to do anything.”

I shook my head. “How long has it been going on?”

Although I already knew the answer, I wanted to hear them admit it.

Daniel sighed. “Almost two years.”

My stomach tightened despite expecting the confession.

Two years of lies, with my husband and best friend betraying me behind my back.

I turned to Vanessa. “And you?”

She met my gaze without shame.

“I love him.”

I had once considered her a sister. I had celebrated her successes, supported her career, and trusted her with things I had never told anyone else.

Apparently, none of it had mattered.

“You could have told me,” I said quietly.

“And what? Wait for your permission to be happy?”

“I was your best friend, Vanessa.”

“And I was tired of living in your shadow!”

Her voice rose as she stepped closer.

“Everyone always praises you. You were a brilliant doctor with a promising career. No matter what I accomplished, I was always compared to you!”

I almost laughed at the irony.

She had been so consumed by jealousy that she had convinced herself stealing from me was justified.

“If you wanted recognition, you should have worked for it,” I replied. “You didn't have to steal my research.”

Daniel scoffed. “Here we go again. You always have to make everything about yourself.”

I turned toward him. “Excuse me?”

“Look at what Vanessa has accomplished. She's on the verge of becoming one of the most respected doctors in the country, and you're standing here throwing accusations because you can't accept her success.”

Then he said something that caught my attention.

“She has developed a medicine that could cure this virus. She's making history while you're busy sulking about your marriage.”

I stared at him.

A medicine that could cure the virus?

That was how they were presenting Virexon to the world, despite the fact that such a claim was far beyond what the available evidence could establish.

And Daniel knew exactly where the research had originated.

“Do you honestly believe she developed it herself?” I asked.

“Of course. Her team has been working on it for months.”

Vanessa folded her arms, a smug smile returning to her face.

“Perhaps if you spent less time being jealous and more time improving yourself, you'd accomplish something worthwhile.”

They stood before me, celebrating stolen work while treating me as though I were the failure.

They had no idea I remembered how their supposed victory had unfolded in my previous life. They didn't know the virus would become far more dangerous than they anticipated, or that I was already preparing to stop it.

I could have exposed them right there, but I needed evidence. An impulsive confrontation would only give them an opportunity to destroy whatever proof I had.

So I smiled.

“Congratulations, Vanessa. I'm sure you'll be very proud of your discovery when the truth comes out.”

Her smile faltered.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Daniel demanded.

“Nothing. I was simply congratulating her.”

I picked up my bag, ready to leave.

Daniel stepped in front of me. “You're not leaving until we finish this conversation.”

When he caught my arm, I looked pointedly at his hand.

“Let go.”

“You're being unreasonable.”

“And you're touching me after I've asked you to stop.”

He released me, and I stepped away.

“Have the divorce papers sent to my lawyer. I'll sign whatever is necessary, and I expect you to do the same.”

His expression hardened.

“You really think you can walk away from me like this?”

“Yes.”

“You'll regret it.”

“Then I'll live with my decision.”

I turned toward the door, but Vanessa's voice followed me.

“Don't come crying to us when you realise you've thrown your life away!”

I paused and glanced back at her.

“Vanessa, you can have him. I don't want anything that belongs to you.”

Her face twisted with anger, but I didn't wait for a response.

I walked out and closed the door behind me.

---

Once I reached my car, I took a deep breath.

I wasn't upset because I wanted Daniel back. I was angry that two people who had betrayed me believed they were entitled to my work and my silence.

Daniel had praised Vanessa for discovering a cure, yet he had no idea how difficult it would be to develop a treatment that could genuinely save lives. Worse, they were already using my research to build their reputations.

I wouldn't let them get away with it.

But I needed to be strategic. I would gather evidence, protect my research, and ensure that my actions didn't jeopardise the work Adrian and I were about to begin.

I pulled out my phone and sent him a message.

I've backed up all my research. I also think we should discuss developing a preventive treatment as soon as possible.

His response arrived moments later.

Agreed. I've been reviewing the latest reports. There are a few things I'd like to show you.

A faint smile crossed my face.

At least I had someone who understood the seriousness of the situation.

Then I opened the Medical Evolution System.

[MISSION UPDATE]

Objective: Secure the Host's Original Medical Research.

Progress: 95%.

Additional Notice: Potential research theft detected in the Host's previous timeline.

I frowned.

“Potential research theft? I already know they stole it.”

[The system has identified discrepancies between the Host's documented research and publicly available claims concerning Virexon.]

My heartbeat quickened.

“Can you help me prove it?”

[The system can assist in analysing available information. Independent verification and supporting documentation are required before formal accusations can be substantiated.]

I nodded.

That was what I needed: evidence strong enough to withstand any attempt to discredit me.

Daniel believed Vanessa was better than me because she stood in the spotlight while I worked behind the scenes.

Let him believe that.

I had no intention of wasting time fighting for his approval. My priorities had changed, and neither of them would distract me from what was coming.

I closed the system and started the car.