Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

But Madeleine was overseas attending an academic summit and hadn't returned yet, so Roseanne's team was without their mentor present.

And, just their luck, they were scheduled to present right after Edna's group.

Carlson stood up, detailing the academic progress they'd made that month. The highlight was Sybil, as the lead author, publishing an article in a highly respected scientific journal.

At this point, Carlson paused, seemingly overwhelmed.

The audience was momentarily puzzled, then quickly caught on that this might be their cue to applaud.

Soon, a thunderous round of applause filled the room.

Carlson was speechless.

The university and department leaders on stage were grinning from ear to ear. Especially Babur, whose smile was so wide it was almost comical.

Edna straightened up in her chair, a small smile playing on her lips.

Amidst the applause, Sybil stood up, saying, "Thank you, everyone. But the person who truly deserves my gratitude is my mentor-Ms. Edna! Her professional guidance and patience have been invaluable."

The applause resumed, even louder this time.

acknowledged the gesture with a modest

took

either out exploring or just chilling, sometimes even skips classes. Yet,

the lab. Does writing a paper not require experiments

Arkle nudged him, "didn't you mention last time you'd finished a paper and were about to submit it? Which journal were you thinking of sending

submit it?" Arkle asked, eyes filled

too dreamed of having

a copy of the journal and sending it

"I'm not submitting it."

moment to process, "...Not submitting it?! What do

just decide not to submit?

for submission. Such a significant discrepancy shouldn't have been discovered at the

felt a pit in his stomach and dared not

next? Let's keep this moving! We don't want to waste everyone's time," he said, casting a snide glance

month, our group secured a lab space, self-funded the purchase

have any significant findings to report, there's not much you can say without making

Roseanne remained silent.

a fact, and there was