Chapter 5

Mia drove straight to the research institute.

The moment she pushed open the door to the lounge, she saw Sienna leaning against Mark, while he looked down at her and spoke softly, comforting her.

Mia lowered her eyes.

Her fingers curled slightly as she forced down every emotion before walking over.

"Mark, what gives you the right to blame me without even investigating what happened?"

He looked up at her, his expression calm and his voice cold.

"Because Sienna is the victim.

"Her work was stolen, and no one else was willing to stand up for her.

"You went after Sienna first, Mia.

"I'm just getting back at you for her in my own way."

Mia's chest tightened painfully.

"Of course, you don't have to admit it."

Mark's tone remained casual.

"But what happens to Sterling Corporation after this, and whether your father's health can withstand the stress, isn't up to me."

Mia froze.

Her back went rigid.

Then, little by little, helplessness took over.

She couldn't gamble with the company her father had spent his entire life building.

After a long silence, she finally spoke, her voice hoarse.

"I'll make a public statement admitting that I plagiarized Sienna's research."

Only then did Sienna hurry forward and reach out to support her.

"Mia, I knew you'd realize you were wrong.

"I don't blame you. I really don't."

Mia sharply knocked her hand away.

Without looking at either of them again, she turned and walked out.

The next day, Mia posted a public statement admitting that she had plagiarized Sienna's research.

Sienna issued her own statement soon afterward.

'This happened because of a personal conflict between Mia and me. Sterling Corporation had nothing to do with it, and I've already forgiven Mia.'

The internet erupted.

At first, people everywhere attacked Mia for stealing someone else's research.

Her comment section was flooded with insults and mockery.

But as the story gained more attention, someone dug up the old scandal involving Mia and Professor Lane.

The moment one particular comment appeared, the internet seemed to go quiet.

'No wonder Mia hates Sienna so much. I suddenly understand where she's coming from.'

Soon after, sharp-eyed users began circulating recent photos of Mark and Sienna appearing together again and again.

No one expected the situation to escalate so quickly.

Before long, public opinion began to shift.

'This is disgusting. If I were Mia and my own husband got this close to the daughter of the man who assaulted me, I'd hate her too.'

'Sienna really knows how to play innocent. She acts like the victim while getting close to someone else's husband and ruining his wife's life.'

Mia ignored all of it.

She would be leaving soon.

She didn't even know when she would return to Harbor City again.

Before she left, she wanted to visit her mother's grave.

While she waited at a flower shop for her bouquet to be wrapped, the giant screen in the plaza outside began broadcasting an interview with Mark.

The reporter held out a microphone.

"Dr. Hayes, there have been rumors that you and Ms. Lane are involved in an inappropriate relationship. How do you respond?"

Mark faced the camera without the slightest hesitation.

"There's nothing inappropriate between Sienna and me.

"I look after her for two reasons.

"First, she's my junior at the institute, and she has no one else to rely on.

"Second, I'm trying to make up for what my wife did to her family."

The reporter looked confused.

"What your wife did?"

Mark's eyes darkened slightly.

His expression suggested reluctant resignation.

"At this point, there are some things I can no longer keep quiet about.

"Professor Lane never sexually assaulted Mia.

"She was pursuing me at the time, and because she was jealous of how close Sienna and I were, she deliberately framed Professor Lane."

Then Mark played an audio recording.

Mia's voice came first.

"Professor Lane, take your daughter and get out of Harbor City. Otherwise, don't blame me for what happens next."

Then came Professor Lane's voice.

"Mia, I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that.

"You're one of my best students. If I can give you one piece of advice as your professor, let him go."

Everyone in the plaza stopped walking.

The recording went silent for several seconds.

Then Mia's voice came again with a cold laugh.

"We'll see about that."

The recording ended abruptly.

Mark looked directly into the camera.

"That's what really happened.

"Professor Lane was falsely accused."

Mia stared at the screen in disbelief.

She had never said any of those things.

Just then, a florist approached with her bouquet.

The moment the employee got a clear look at Mia's face, her eyes widened.

"You're Mia Sterling?!"