How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 482

Waldron's words all but sealed the truth.

Everyone understood the implications: Elodie was Charlie's protégé, and Waldron had always been at odds with Charlie. If even Waldron was willing to step forward and vouch for her, it only made the story more convincing.

If Elodie hadn't written those papers, Waldron wouldn't have let Charlie save face —not now, not in front of everyone. Waldron's endorsement was the most compelling evidence anyone could hope for.

Perhaps the two professors didn't get along, but when it came to academic rigor, they stood on the same unshakable ground.

Grady, thoroughly rebuffed, looked stricken. His gaze darted to Sylvie for support.

Sylvie stood rooted in place, struggling to maintain her composure, but the slight tremble of her lips nearly betrayed her. She couldn't believe Mr. Ferguson had stepped up as a witness. Did that mean he'd known about Elodie all along? Why had he never mentioned it? Sylvie had never managed to grasp even a hint of Elodie's real abilities.

And now, these few published essays were enough to leave her inwardly reeling. What if Elodie were given more time-how far could she go?

Sylvie forced herself to steady her breathing. She refused to let herself lose composure in public, repeating silently: It's just a few papers... When it comes to practical research, to real innovation, Elodie might not be her match.

thought as if it could

finally rose to his feet. He looked at Elodie, and for

had convinced him. Whether he was congratulating her on her newfound recognition or on finally shaking off the suspicion, it was hard to say. One thing was certain:

gaze was calm and clear-no hint of scandal, just a polite, almost amused smile as he spoke. She nodded, keeping her response measured. With so many eyes on them, she wanted

Sylvie's fragile composure wavered again. A subtle sense of imbalance crept in, impossible to ignore. Watching Elodie bask in the spotlight, Sylvie could do nothing but

no interest in fueling any further drama. Yet, thanks to Grady's attempt to bring her down-and

would

students from the back of the room surged forward, eager to talk to her, desperate for

@

peer, felt accessible-someone they could actually

by a sea

the sight. He stayed close, occasionally stepping in to shield her from the

every question her fellow students asked, she offered thoughtful, clear

from the throng. He glanced around the hall, then nodded toward Charlie and the cluster of