Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Just tweak the data a bit to keep it consistent, no need to waste time verifying.' Even though Carlson had anticipated it, hearing it firsthand was still a shock.

"This is, academic, fraud!" He stressed every word.

Edna's face turned sour: "Carlson, you're a sensible guy. I trust you know what should and shouldn't be said. As your mentor, I'm just offering you a way to solve the problem. What to do with it, is up to you." Carlson looked up, locking eyes with Edna with an intensity she hadn't seen before.

"Professor, this isn't right."

It just wasn't right...

After Carlson left, Edna watched his departing back and snickered.

It's okay if he doesn't get it now. People grow.

Eventually, he'll understand that truth doesn't matter. What matters is how many papers you've published, how much academic output you've produced.

People say research is pure, but Edna scoffed at that.

Wherever there are people, there's a struggle - for resources, funding, status, titles... Aren't all these tied to output?

Only those who reach the summit have the right to talk about "purity". But first, you've got to reach the summit.

Edna took out her phone, "Call Hertha Sherwood over."

was her

students treating you? No

because there's something related to the lab I need

mean I can start getting involved

just that we've run into a bit

tell me, and I'll do whatever

bought the latest model of the CPRT analyzer with their own funds. Our team's budget

don't worry, your hard

I'll keep a

of your contribution. When

high-priority projects or conference

up, you'll be

PhD track, as long as your grades are solid, that shouldn't

promise them the moon. Whether they'll get

her mother placed such high value on education, it was almost a fixation. If

second thought,

sweet talk at

CPRT analyzer for

budget being just

ended up costing over

than a dozen of her beloved designer bags to make up the rest. Those bags were her treasures, and just like that, they