“That’s not it… I think I might have misunderstood.”
“Misunderstood? You seemed pretty certain a moment ago. Are you afraid of the consequences of slandering the leadership of the Helios Institute for Advanced Minds? Afraid of being taken care of? As long as you’re telling the truth, no one’s going to throw you in the ocean to feed the fishes.”
Natalie’s words made Martin Doyle even more terrified.
“I was just guessing. After all, you’re so mediocre. How could you have possibly gotten into the Helios Institute for Advanced Minds? You must have pulled some strings.”
“Pulled some strings? So it does involve the institute’s leadership? This is something that needs a thorough investigation. Every student dreams of getting into the Helios Institute; we can’t allow such unfairness to exist. So, officers, please investigate this properly and give the public an answer.”
Martin Doyle heard this and nearly lost his mind with fear.
He had been far too impulsive; his mouth had moved faster than his brain.
Natalie had caught him. By slandering her, he had ended up slandering the Helios Institute. He was about to be hunted by forces from every corner of society.
“No… no… I meant it was a misunderstanding. I wasn’t talking about the leadership of the Helios Institute. I just heard it from someone else.”
“Heard it from someone else? Spreading vile rumors about me doesn't carry a high price, but spreading them about the Helios Institute certainly does. If you can’t name your source, then you’ll have to take the fall. To dare spread rumors like this about the Helios Institute… you’re really one of a kind!”
The police officer spoke sternly, “Please come with us to assist in the investigation. We must provide an explanation to the Helios Institute.”
Seeing how serious things had become, Martin Doyle quickly said, “It was my mistake! You didn’t pull any strings, and you have nothing to do with the institute’s leadership. It’s my fault, I have a big mouth.”
Marie watched, seething with anger. Martin Doyle was such a coward. Why couldn’t he just stick to the story and let Natalie be reviled by everyone?
A murmur went through the crowd as they heard Martin’s confession.

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