All Chapters of Stealing My Spot: I Chose State Secrets: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

After the ceremony, the entire campus of Aldenbury University was buzzing with stories about what I'd done. They said I was pulling rank, jealous of a student from a disadvantaged background, and trying to pressure his own father into abusing his position.Ian became everyone's inspirational success story, while I was painted as some spoiled rich kid who couldn't stand to see someone less privileged get ahead. Megan didn't even bother pretending anymore. She stopped bringing me breakfast and discussing research data with me.Instead, she poured all her energy into celebrating Ian's fellowship.I saw the photo she posted on social media. Ian was holding a birthday cake while she smiled at him with obvious affection. The caption read, "We've made it through the hardest part. Congratulations to our little hometown genius."I scrolled past it without expression, then blocked her. …That afternoon, I was summoned to the dean's office. When I pushed open the door, Dad was sitt

Early the next morning, I arrived at a discreet meeting point on the outskirts of Aldenbury. I sat inside a black military-style SUV and signed the confidentiality agreement. One of the agents handed me a metal case. "Mr. Ludwig, regulations require you to surrender all personal communication devices before entering the facility."From this point on, your identity records will be placed under the highest level of classification. Your name will be locked out of all public and government databases."Until the project is declassified, you will effectively cease to exist to the outside world. Are you ready?"I nodded and took out my phone. "Can I make one last call?"The agent nodded. I dialed Dad's number. It rang for a long time before he finally answered. "What is it now?" he asked, his voice cold. "You already gave Ian the data. What else do you want?""Dad, I'm not going to graduate school anymore," I said, staring out at the barren landscape beyond the window. "I'm l

For the next two weeks, Aldenbury University seemed to settle back into its usual routine after the controversy. Meanwhile, Ian had taken the data I'd left behind and, with Megan's help, pieced together a research paper. The moment the paper was published within the department, it caused an uproar. The sophistication of its data model and the depth of its theoretical analysis were far beyond what anyone would expect from an undergraduate. Almost overnight, Ian was put on a pedestal and hailed throughout the department as a young genius. Megan posted a photo of Ian from behind, standing in the lab. Her caption read, "True talent always finds a way to shine. Without the pressure and intimidation from those who abused their power, you've finally had the chance to show the world what you're capable of."The comments were filled with praise for Ian and people taking shots at me. "So, Karl's SCI papers were only good because he was riding on Ian's work?""Exactly. Karl leaves,

Three days later, the final defense for the National Young Scientist Award was held at the Aldenbury International Convention Center. The auditorium was packed. The audience included leading scholars from universities across Galdovia, along with senior officials from the state education department. Dad sat in the front row, maintaining his usual composed demeanor as he smiled and accepted compliments from those around him.Onstage, Ian stood before the giant presentation screen, confidently walking the audience through his research with a presentation clicker in hand."In conclusion, this data model not only addresses existing energy-consumption problems, but also provides a new theoretical foundation for future cutting-edge research. That concludes my defense. Thank you, members of the panel."He gave a slight bow, and the room erupted in applause. However, the lead expert from Jovendel, who was sitting at the center of the panel, didn't clap. He adjusted his glasses and star

Ian and Megan stared at me as if they'd just seen a ghost. Dad's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "Karl?"He instinctively slipped back into his usual authoritative tone, pointing at me as he shouted, "Have you lost your mind? You think you're allowed to sit there?"Do you even know what kind of meeting this is? You show up dressed like that and think you can come in here pretending to be some big shot?"Get down here right now! Stop embarrassing yourself."I looked at him calmly, not even bothering to raise an eyebrow. Before I could say a word, the two guards standing behind me stepped forward, their expressions turning cold."How dare you?"They grabbed Dad by the shoulders from either side and forced him back into his chair.Zachary looked terrified. "Frederick, have you lost your mind?" he hissed, pointing angrily at Dad. "This is Special Agent Karl Ludwig, sent here by the NSA! He's a senior official from Area 091."You're already in serious trouble for stealing