Gary, representing the military, fixed Nancy with a cold stare. “Nancy, you’ll need to cooperate with the investigation from here on out.”


    The situation was driven straight to the climax. No one had expected things to escte this far.


    Meanwhile, Samson had been quiet for a long while before finally turning his gaze to Ariel. A storm of emotions shed in his eyes. He had always known Arie wasn’t simple. He had even suspected she might be better than him, but he had never once imagined this.


    This oue made Nancy’s mind go nk. Her breath game in short, uneven bursts as she looked toward Cedric, who sat there calmly. For the first time, she lost herposure in public. She couldn’t understand. How could this be happening?


    Noticing her gaze, Cedric narrowed his eyes. He knew full well how this happened. He scoffed. “How bold. Did she even think about the consequences of taking such a risk?”


    He knew Nancy had only one chance to ess the confidential U.N2 code–yesterday.


    It didn’t matter whether the code was Ariel’s or not. Nancy’s actions were unforgivable. She thought the code was Cedric’s, so she quickly memorized and reused it. Like a reckless gambler, she bet he wouldn’t call her out in public or even notice right away.


    Just another petty scheme.


    Since she chose this path, she must deal with the fallout on her own.


    Cedric turned to Gary and said coldly, “I know some of the details. If you need me to, I’ll cooperate.”


    Upon hearing that, Nancy felt thest bit of hope drain from her chest. Her mind scrambled, searching for a way out, but there was none.


    She had hesitated yesterday. But if she didn’t take the risk<b>, </b>she knew she would never get another shot.


    She had thought that even if she used Cedric’s code, he might choose not to expose her out of pride, and that could win her a chance to enter the national research engineering team.


    Cedric could have taken pride in it too. It could have been a win–win. But he hadn’t spared her.


    She had calcted everything but never imagined the code was Ariel’s. And that single misstep sent her plunging into <b>ruin</b>.


    But how could she ept this?


    With red eyes, she turned to Jayson.


    Finally, he moved, <b>but </b>he didn’t look at her. His gaze shifted to Gary. “Go on with the investigation.”


    His words left Nancy feeling suffocated. She looked at him in panic. She wasn’t sure whether he had a n to help her.


    But this matter was far too serious. The government would intervene directly. Once her giarism was confirmed, she would be permanently cklisted from the industry. She would have nowhere to turn, at home or abroad, and the criminal charges awaiting her would be more than she could bear.


    <b>+15 </b>BONUS


    Cecilia, too, finally came to herself. Her gazended on the ever–calm Jayson with a mix of shock andplexity. She suddenly felt that something had been off for a while.


    Nancy was forced off the stage to face an investigation.


    As she passed the VIP section, her face drained of all color. She couldn’t help but stop and look toward Jayson. “Jayson!”


    At this moment, she no longer cared about keeping up appearances.


    Jayson gave her a sidelong nce and said nothing.


    Nancy suddenly felt as if she were plunging into an abyss. It was a feeling she couldn’t put into words. She looked at him, her face ashen.


    But no one gave her another chance to say anything. She was taken away for questioning.


    Only then did Frederick snap back to his senses. He swung toward Jayson. “Mr. Larkin, why aren’t you saying anything? Do something!”


    He rushed up to Jayson, practically frantic.


    Matt’s expression finally darkened. He spun around, cutting Frederick off. Frowning, he barked, “Why don’t you do something? You want to help her, right? Take her ce and face the charges, then!”


    What kind of stupid nonsense was Frederick talking about?