Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 310

"And," he glanced at the large screen on the stage and sneered, "to think they'd dare pull such a low-life stunt right under my nose."

"Julian, this time, you've truly signed your death warrant."

***

In the backstage lounge.

The din from outside was still faintly audible.

"Grace, don't panic. We're filing an appeal right now," her professor said, sweating profusely. "But the evidence they've provided is very thorough. That timestamp… it's damning."

Grace closed her eyes, saying nothing.

Who could have access to this core data and also be able to bribe a professor of Smith's caliber?

There was a knock on the lounge door.

The professor went to open it, only to find the hallway empty. There was only an envelope on the floor.

The envelope had no name on it, only the heart-shaped symbol made of code that she knew so well.

`while(heart_beat==true){await(you);}`

Grace's hand trembled.

This was…

With a shaking hand, she picked up the envelope and tore it open.

Inside was a USB drive and a small note.

The handwriting on the note was strong and forceful, exuding a sense of arrogance, yet the pressure of the pen seemed to betray that the writer was desperately suppressing something.

[Don't be afraid. Look up. I'm here.]

Just six words.

But they sent a wave of warmth through Grace's heart.

She plugged in the USB drive.

A crystal-clear surveillance video popped up on the screen, along with a series of bank transaction records.

The video showed Professor Smith in a secluded coffee shop, accepting a check from a man in a baseball cap.

And that man in the cap, Grace recognized him.

It was Julian's personal assistant!

There was another folder on the drive, named "The Truth."

The collar of his shirt was soaked with cold sweat, and his face was deathly pale.

"Mr. Clarke, are you alright? Should I call an ambulance?" Felix asked, his voice cracking with tears.

"That Smith fellow, has he been dealt with?" Damien asked, his voice so weak it sounded like it could give out at any moment.

"He's been dealt with," Felix said through clenched teeth. "We sent the evidence directly to NIT's academic committee and to Interpol. As for Julian, we've cut off his funding. The money he used to bribe Smith has now become irrefutable proof of commercial bribery."

"Good… very good…"

Damien closed the laptop, his fingers caressing the screen's wallpaper with a tender longing.

It was a photo of Grace on stage just moments ago.

Terrified, but still so beautiful.

"Grace…" he murmured softly. "Don't be afraid."

"No one gets to bully you."

After saying this, Damien's vision went black, and his body slid down the wall.

"Mr. Clarke!"