Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 41

Grace’s hand, holding the teacup, froze mid-air.

The air in the office seemed to solidify in that instant.

She slowly looked up at Dr. Lane.

He still wore that same warm smile, as if he were discussing something perfectly normal.

Sensing her hesitation, he added with a chuckle, “Don’t get me wrong. I’m doing this for your own good.”

“Using my name to apply for resources from the higher-ups, or to publish in top-tier journals, is much easier than using yours. It’ll get approved more readily.”

“You’re still young, with a long road ahead of you. The most important thing now is to accumulate experience, not chase after empty titles.”

“Having your name as the second author is already a great achievement for you. Don’t you think?”

His words were a masterclass in self-righteous justification, perfectly seamless.

He had packaged his blatant plagiarism as a benevolent gesture to help her career.

The warmth Grace had felt from Mr. Grant just moments before was extinguished by this bucket of cold water.

It was an eerily familiar scene.

Back then, Lilian had done the same thing, wearing the most innocent expression and speaking the most considerate words as she claimed Grace’s hard work as her own.

Grace had thought the OrionVale Institute of Advanced Studies would be her new beginning, a safe harbor.

She never imagined that there were wolves lurking here, too, ready to pounce.

Authorship credit was a researcher’s calling card, a symbol of recognition.

She would never compromise on it.

But she also understood that she was new here, with no established footing. If she clashed with a powerful figure at the institute on her very first day, her future would be incredibly difficult.

Her hands, resting on her lap, slowly tightened into fists.

Yet, she forced a calm smile onto her face.

“You’re right, Dr. Lane. I’m still inexperienced and definitely need to learn more from my seniors.”

“I’m already honored just to be on your team.”

She neither agreed nor refused directly, using a vague response to placate him for the time being.

Then, an earth-shattering roar.

“What the hell! That old bastard has no shame! Stealing your research? He might as well just rob a bank!”

“And he said he was doing it for your own good? My ass! That’s the most ridiculous excuse I’ve ever heard! It sounds like something the poodle downstairs would come up with when it’s in heat!”

Ivy was cursing, absolutely furious.

Listening to her best friend’s outrage on her behalf, the warmth that had been doused in Grace’s heart rekindled into a tiny spark.

She let out a low laugh.

“You can still laugh?” Ivy sounded like she was about to lose her mind. “What are you going to do? Pick a fight with your direct supervisor on day one? You know what, just quit! There are plenty of other jobs out there! With your talent, you can work anywhere you want!”

“No.”

Grace’s voice was quiet but held a newfound firmness.

“I’m not leaving.”

“Why?”