When our group appeared at the precinct entrance, the sudden flashes of light blinded me.
Detective Captain Hayes, however, was accustomed to such scenes. He spoke calmly to the
cameras: “This university fire case has been thoroughly investigated.”
“It was caused by faulty wiring.”
“A professor, seeking to evade responsibility for being the last one to leave the lab, conspired with a colleague at the university to falsify surveillance footage and access records, falsely accusing his
student.”
“The university administration was also deceived by him, inadvertently cooperating with his scheme.”
“Had the falsely accused student not been livestreaming off–campus, with thousands of online followers and federal officers as witnesses, his plot might well have succeeded.”
“How could it be such a coincidence that so many people could testify? Is there no possibility of intentional fabrication on her part?” A reporter sharply questioned.
“We interviewed the university, and many students said the student involved was indeed reclusive
2:15 pm P P P S
and often inexplicably volatile. Is there truly no possibility she committed arson?”
“The matter has been thoroughly investigated, and the involved professor has already confessed,” Detective Captain Hayes said, frowning, explaining patiently.
“We heard this professor recently returned from abroad. Are you sure he wasn’t subjected to
excessive interrogation?”
Detective Captain Hayes‘ gaze suddenly hardened, staring at her for several long seconds before saying sternly, “It’s the 21st century now. Both domestically and internationally, cases are handled based on evidence. Since we dare to report the case to the media, it means it has been thoroughly investigated and is based on factual evidence.”
Perhaps intimidated by Detective Captain Hayes‘ imposing aura, these reporters finally stopped badgering us and cleared a path.
Sitting in the car, Detective Captain Hayes first cast a worried glance at me, then gestured to the officer beside him. Several figures quickly vanished, following the reporters who had just left.
Dr. Silas Vance was released after only a few days of detention.
The fire showed no signs of being intentionally set. Although he had supervisory responsibility, his attitude towards admitting fault was good, and he actively offered compensation. The university decided not to pursue the matter further.
After receiving the compensation, both parties amicably negotiated, and Dr. Silas Vance resigned.
My situation, however, was not good. Detective Captain Hayes‘ concerns were not unfounded. Soon after I returned to school, a torrent of online abuse erupted.
First, there was skepticism about why a wiring accident could cause such extensive damage, implying the police were hiding something.
Then, there were accusations that the university was covering for me, calling me an “academic seductress.” They claimed that Professor Davies, who always kept me by his side, wasn’t valuing my talent but rather engaging in quid pro quo, otherwise, how could I have achieved so much at such a
young age?
The newly appointed professor was merely my scapegoat, and the university was bullying a patriotic scholar who had just returned from abroad, with no powerful connections, making him the perfect patsy.
2:15 pm
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Unsuspecting students were incited. Whenever I walked on campus, people would hurl insults at me. Some self–proclaimed righteous students would even stop me directly, calling me academically dishonest, a disgrace, and accusing me of tarnishing Professor Davies‘ reputation.
Finally, organized by an unknown source, many students began to strike, demanding my expulsion to restore the school’s integrity.
Looking at Dean Henderson sitting opposite me, I was utterly helpless.
“We know you’re the victim in this, Audrey, but public outrage is rampant, and the university must take a stand.“‘ Dean Henderson adjusted his glasses, his face serious. “You should take a leave of
absence for now.”
