Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 326

He forced the words out, stammering instantly. "O-Officer, I am a law-abiding citizen. Isn't there some kind of misunderstanding here?"

"You don't need to panic. We are merely taking you in for questioning. If it truly is a misunderstanding, the police will issue a public clarification. For now, please come with us."

As Julian was being escorted away, the woman who had made the public accusation ran over and blocked their path.

She wore a simple dress and looked incredibly fragile. Her red-rimmed eyes welled with tears, giving her a delicate yet fiercely resilient appearance.

She spoke with absolute conviction. "Officers, I want to file a report. Julian Hawthorne assaulted my husband, leaving him in a coma. He stole my husband's team's project and claimed it as his own. Furthermore, the Hawthorne Group threatened and intimidated their employees, illegally terminated them without cause, and refused to offer a single cent in severance! I beg you to bring justice to us ordinary citizens!"

With that, the woman collapsed in front of the officers, pleading desperately.

The officers were caught off guard and immediately rushed to help her back to her feet.

Her face was stained with tears and she looked utterly broken. Anyone witnessing her immense suffering couldn't help but feel a deep wave of sympathy and heartbreak for her.

The award ceremony was being broadcast live globally. Both Julian and the Hawthorne Group were completely finished.

At that exact moment, Yates Hawthorne, seated quietly in the audience, allowed a faint smirk to touch his lips as he glanced toward Miles Sutton a few rows away.

Under immense public pressure and the current circumstances, the event organizers publicly pledged to cooperate with the police to investigate Julian's project and deliver answers to the scientific community.

At the reception following the ceremony.

As the newly crowned rising star of the industry, and with Harrison Banks fiercely protecting her, Summer was naturally the center of attention.

The area around her was packed with heavyweights. Not only were top-tier industry leaders clamoring for her time, but many up-and-coming award winners were eager to network as well.

In that moment, Summer was the sun, and everyone else merely orbited her.

In stark contrast, Lilith Sutton stood isolated on the other side of the grand hall. Xavier had stepped away to take a call, leaving her entirely alone in the chilly, miserable emptiness.

Occasionally, someone would drop a polite greeting, only to immediately rush off to join the crowd surrounding Summer.

Lilith's expression was grim. Jealousy, fury, and bitter resentment churned violently in her chest.

Xavier had explicitly prepared an award-winning project for her. She was supposed to be the one standing on that stage, basking in the glory and flashing lights.

She was supposed to use that project as a stepping stone to become Professor Banks' student.

But because of the wedding scandal, the Sterling family and the board of directors had pressured her. Ultimately, she was forced to resign from her position at the Sterling Group and retreat home to be a pregnant housewife.

She was meant to have a brilliant, shining future, and it had all been destroyed because of Summer.

How could she not hate her?

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