Chapter 139

Alexander Laurent: She Doesn't Need to Prove Herself.

Professor Quincy Evans frowned deeply. "Do you have a solution?"

"Directly restore the deleted experimental data. Check the deletion logs to determine the exact time the data was deleted. Then investigate everyone who was in the lab during that timeframe."

Quincy sighed. "The logic is sound, but data recovery is extremely difficult. The recycle bin has been emptied."

Sophia Sullivan's fingertips lightly touched the keyboard. "Let me try."

She hadn't wanted to intervene initially. Data recovery was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Checking the surveillance footage was the fastest method.

But given the current situation, the cameras could no longer provide a solution.

Just as Sophia sat down, Alexander Laurent suddenly placed his hand over hers.

All eyes turned to them, filled with confusion.

Alexander's voice was calm. "First, there is no concrete evidence pointing to Sophia Sullivan. All suspicion is based solely on Lillian Lopez's one-sided account."

"It's like someone losing their wallet on the street. You can't demand someone prove their innocence just because they look suspicious."

"They would just think you're being ridiculous."

"Sophia," Alexander gazed at her, "You have the ability to uncover the truth. But you don't need to fall into the trap of proving yourself."

Sophia felt a slight tremor in her heart, impressed by the man's powerful logical thinking.

Dr. Zoe Langley suddenly understood. "Right, why should Sophia have to prove herself? The burden of proof lies with the accuser."

Everyone looked at Lillian Lopez.

The smile on her lips froze. Her face gradually paled.

"I was just raising a suspicion..." Her voice trembled. "I never said it was definitely her."

Alexander took out his phone. "Then let's handle this by calling the police."

Zoe nodded. "Agreed."

Quincy raised his hand. "I have no objections."

Alexander pressed the call button for the emergency number.

Lillian's fingers clenched. Her lips turned white, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Just before the call connected, Dr. Simon Lowell suddenly stepped forward—

"Wait... I used Lillian's computer yesterday afternoon. I might have accidentally deleted the data folder when I was clearing out documents."

He scratched his head apologetically. "It was all my mistake. I've caused everyone so much trouble. I'm sorry..."

Simon turned to Lillian. "I'm really sorry you have to redo the data."

Lillian nodded stiffly. "...It's fine."

Zoe's eyes moved between the two of them. "Since it was a misunderstanding, it's good it's cleared up. Simon, be more careful in the future."

"Absolutely, definitely."

Sophia turned away calmly. "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving." She didn't offer to help Lillian recover the data.

If you repay kindness with resentment, what do you use to repay kindness?

As she turned, she met Alexander's concerned gaze. The corner of her mouth twitched, silently forming two words.

Thank you.

...

At eight in the evening, Alexander took everyone out for a late-night snack.

"The barbecue here is especially good, Sophia. Try the fiery beef. I'll order extra skewers for you."

Zoe enthusiastically recommended.

Quincy sat down to Sophia's left, poured tea, and pushed it towards her. "The hot weather can cause irritation. Have some tea first. The side dishes over there are good too. The pickles are very appetizing. Want to try some?"

Sophia was both amused and exasperated by their sudden enthusiasm. She guessed they felt bad about what happened during the day.

Lillian watched this scene in silence, her lips pressed tighter and tighter.

She used to be the one everyone cared for. Ever since Sophia appeared, everything had changed...

"It's a bit stuffy. I'm going out for some air." She got up and left.

Simon noticed Lillian seemed upset and followed her off.

The alley was hung with lanterns, a popular spot for social media photos. Lillian walked aimlessly. Simon followed silently behind her.

Lillian whirled around. "Haven't you followed enough? How annoying! I just want to be alone!"

Simon was silent for a moment, then slowly looked up. "Lillian, did you really lose your data?"

Lillian's eyes darted away. "What do you mean?"

"We left right after work these past few days. You didn't have time to run experiments, let alone produce data."

"Simon Lowell, what exactly are you trying to do?!" Her voice rose, filled with anger.

"I want to say, you shouldn't have done this."

Lillian bit her lip, her voice choking up. "You suspect me?"

"It's my data. What reason would I have to take such a risk?"

Simon's gaze was intense. "That's exactly why I don't understand why you did it."

Lillian avoided his eyes. "I'm the victim. Instead of helping me find the real culprit, you're here interrogating me..."

Simon frowned. "I took the blame willingly, but we both know how sincere that was. I just want the truth."

Lillian, ashamed into anger, snapped, "So what if I did it? Go report me! Do it now! I don't need your fake concern!"

Simon was stunned. "...Why?"

"Everything was fine before she came! Now everything's changed! Professor Laurent, Dr. Langley, Professor Evans, and even you... all you see is Sophia Sullivan!"

"She's so perfect, so outstanding! I'm sick of hearing her name! I just wanted things to go back to normal. Is that so wrong?"

Lillian's emotions spiraled out of control, bursting forth like a broken dam.

Simon looked at her wounded expression, his heart softening. The words spilled out before he could stop them. "Lillian, I like you. Be with me."