Chapter 434: Clara Whitmore's Lips Curved Slightly

Clara Whitmore's lips curved slightly.

She locked eyes with Avery Quinn. "You're accusing me of cheating. Be specific."

Avery sniffed. "Like bribing officials or hiring ghostwriters."

Maya Torres immediately rushed to the front row.

She grabbed a microphone and sprinted back.

"Here, Clara!"

Clara tested the mic.

The amplification was perfect.

"First, Avery, I don't have the funds to bribe Meridian Science's editorial board."

"Second, why would someone capable of publishing in Meridian Science ghostwrite for me?"

"You seem well-versed in underhanded tactics. Care to enlighten me?"

Avery's face flushed crimson.

"That's slander! I've never used ghostwriters!"

Clara arched a brow. "Did I name you?"

"You—" Avery choked on her words.

Clara's gaze turned icy. "You demand proof from me? Then present your evidence first."

Avery slumped into her seat, silenced.

Reid Everett opened his mouth.

Noticing the microphone in Clara's hand, he quietly shut it again.

Prof. Lenora Voss suddenly spoke up.

"President Hall, does this paper list a corresponding author?"

The room fell silent.

President Hall nodded. "It does."

"Who?"

"Professor Elias Mercer."

The auditorium exploded with murmurs.

Now it made sense.

With Elias Mercer's endorsement, everything clicked into place.

Prof. Voss's face drained of color.

Her momentary relief vanished.

This still traced back to Prof. Miriam Caldwell's connections.

Her cheeks burned with humiliation.