NovelEnglishThe moment the accusation was made, the air in the room shifted, tension crackling like static electricity. Only
Roseanne was smiling.
She locked eyes with Sybil, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "And what exactly do you mean by cheating?
Bribing people, using your connections, or maybe having someone ghostwrite for you?"
Fearing her voice wouldn't carry, Mamie, ever the supportive friend, dashed to the front to grab a microphone,
running back with a grin plastered on her face, practically shoving the mic into Roseanne's hand with an
unspoken command: Give it to them. Make it hurt. I live for this !
Testing the mic with a quick tap, Roseanne found it to her liking-loud and clear.
"Sybil, was it? First off, you flatter me. | neither have the funds nor the connections to influence the editors at
‘Science’, convincing a panel of distinguished researchers across the globe to doa mere college student-a
favor against their better judgment." "And as for ghostwriting... intriguing idea, but what exactly could | offer
someone capable of penning a 'Science' paper to willingly take a bullet for me?"
"You seem quite familiar with these... underhand tactics. Perhaps you could enlighten me?"
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Sybil, caught off guard, bristled like a cornered cat, "What are you insinuating?! When have | ever resorted to
such measures? Showthe proof if you're so convinced!"
Roseanne feigned confusion, "When did | specifically mention you? Although, your defensiveness does make one
wonder..."
"I... I..." Sybil was at a loss for words.
With a slight smirk, Roseanne pushed back, "You're askingfor evidence, but shouldn't the srules apply
to you?"
Sybil, left speechless, could only sit down, her face aflwith embarrassment.
Roseanne observed her reaction intently, her gaze deepening.
Slater opened his mouth, intending to add something, but the sight of the microphone in Roseanne's grip made
him reconsider. He wasn't about to make himself an easy target.
Then, Edna spoke up, her question
directed not at the students, but at the authority presiding over the gathering, "Mr. Hiram, does this ‘Science’
publication have a corresponding author?"
Roseanne was the first author, but who was the corresponding one?
Mr. Hiram nodded, "Yes."
Edna's interest peaked, "Who?"
Everyone expected the nto be Madeleine, but-
Mr. Hiram announced, "Owen, Mr. Reynolds himself."
The room erupted into whispers. No wonder Roseanne managed to produce such a high-caliber paper in record
time. Owen' involvement explained everything.
The corresponding author typically
oversees the project, handling the finances, design, and ensuring the quality of the work. The first author, on the
other hand, is usually the one who has conducted most of the experiments and has invested the most tand
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmeffort into the project, including drafting the paper.
For a first-year grad student like Roseanne, reaching the heights of 'Science' seemed unattainable. But with
Owen backing her, it all made sense.
This revelation rendered Sybil's earlier insinuations about tconstraints, lack of expertise, and possible
cheating moot.
But why would Owen choose to support Roseanne in this capacity?
Considering Madeleine and Owen’
ooo
history, with Reynolds having been mentored by Madeleine before switching his major to physics, it wasn't far-
fetched to imagine him guiding Roseanne at Madeleine's behest.
on
Upon hearing it wasn't Madeleine but Owen instead, Edna initially felt a wave of relief wash over her. Yet, the
mention of Reynolds' nquickly reignited her anxieties.
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