"But we can''t just say Reese developed our core algorithm, can we?


    "Come on, seven years ago, Reese wasn''t even twenty yet. She was just a sophomore. There''s no way she could''ve pulled off anything at this level."


    "It''s all right there in the institute''s archives. The files spell everything out, clear as day."


    Sofia was still trying to pin everything on Reese when Dominic''s voice dropped, cold and sharp. His re felt like it could cut right through her. "You got your info from Archive Room Three. File number KY-2018-0713. Am I right?"


    Sofia''s face went pale. That was the exact number on the file back then. But she was sure-she''d checked, no one else in the institute...


    She didn''t even have time to figure it out before Dominic continued, "Sofia, you really do have talent with Al algorithms.


    "But in research, integrity matters more than shortcuts. The institute can''t keep people who y dirty.


    "Once this is settled, I want your resignation."


    "Professor, there must be some kind of mistake!" Sofia blurted out, herposure cracking for a second before she forced herself calm again. "Those files belong to the institute. I work here too. What''s wrong with borrowing them?"


    Dominic hadn''t expected her to say that. He watched her in silence, about to respond, when azy, amused male voice drifted from the back of the room.


    "Exactly. Ms. Meyer is part of the institute. Using institute files isn''t exactly a crime, is it?"


    Zach stepped out from the crowd, a half-smile tugging at his lips. "I''ve worked with Ms. Meyer before. She''s not the type to steal someone else''s work."


    "And by the way, she''s heading up one of Iron Financial''s biggest investment projects. If she leaves, then what? Who''s going to take over?"


    Zach''s eyes slid over to Reese, full of disdain.


    "But as for thisdy... Well, I heard she only left the institute back then because she slept with a rich guy andnded herself a golden opportunity. That''s how she got where she is now.


    "Dominic, you''re so eager to back her up. Aren''t you worried about your own reputation?"


    His words hit hard and fast, like a bucket of ice water dumped right on Reese. Instantly, the mood in the room shifted. Every stare turned sharp-curious, judgmental, and cold-wrapping around Reese like a she couldn''t escape. Reese clenched her fists so tight her nails nearly broke the skin. She never thought Zach would show up, let alone bring up the past like this.


    Automatically, her eyes found Sebastian. He barely frowned, his face smoothing back into its usual cool indifference, like none of this had anything to do with him.


    "That''s her personal business. I have noment," he said, voice t. Dominic''s voice cut through the tension. "But I helped her patent those research results seven years ago.


    "Whatever the reason, Clever Cloud''s traffic system used her data. Whether it was deliberate or a misunderstanding, it''s still giarism."


    "If this had stayed quiet, I know Reese wouldn''t have made a fuss. But now that everyone knows, someone has to take responsibility.


    "Sofia, you led the team and you just admitted to using Reese''s research. You need to own up to it.


    "Clever Cloud will issue a public apology and recall the system. And Sofia—your time at the institute is over."