The Platonic Trap novel Chapter 32

It was simply beneath her.

Ken was well aware of Capital University's rigorous academic standards. There was absolutely no logical reason for someone to sabotage their own permanent record just to get back at a rival.

Ms. Stafford wasn't that stupid.

The man behind the desk remained silent, setting aside his fountain pen and neatly aligning the documents.

"Furthermore, if something as serious as plagiarism occurred, Ms. Stafford didn't call her fiancé first. Instead, this intern called to complain. It's incredibly..."

Suspicious.

Hadn't Talbot previously claimed that Celia was dragging innocent people down and intentionally making things difficult for his intern?

Looking at the situation now, this intern didn't seem so innocent after all.

"Sir..." Ken started, wanting to elaborate.

Alistair slowly stood up, adjusting his cufflinks. His voice was devastatingly calm. "Get the car. We're going to Capital University."

--

The scene shifted to the administration office.

Evelyn sat with her head bowed, weeping softly, playing the role of the perfect, defenseless victim to absolute perfection.

Her professor had never liked Celia to begin with. Despite her wealthy background, Celia never flaunted her status on campus, which meant the professor felt no need to walk on eggshells around her.

As the officials questioned them, Evelyn stubbornly insisted that Celia had peeked at her rough drafts and stolen her ideas.

Because no law enforcement was present, the university didn't have the authority to confiscate and search their personal phones. The interrogation hit a frustrating deadlock.

Then, Talbot burst into the room, looking breathless and frantic.

When he pushed the door open, every eye in the room snapped toward him.

The second Evelyn saw him, her quiet whimpers escalated into full-blown sobs.

Letting tears well up in her own eyes, Celia looked at Talbot with a mixture of helplessness and betrayal, refusing to say a word.

Under her piercing, tearful gaze, Talbot faltered, a flicker of guilt flashing in his eyes before he let out a heavy sigh.

"Listen, I apologize on Celia's behalf to the university. Regarding the plagiarism, I will personally ensure she rewrites her thesis so this doesn't damage the school's reputation."

The official maintained a professional tone. "I'm sorry, but we need Ms. Stafford to make that statement herself. You cannot make decisions on her behalf."

"I'm her fiancé. Just do as I say."

Talbot's tone grew colder, his face painted with performative disappointment. "Celia has always been fiercely competitive. She's just doing this to get my attention. She was wrong, and I'll make sure she learns her lesson."

The officials hesitated, looking toward Celia to see if she would contest this.

But Celia's ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps.

Outside the door, a frantic voice grew louder. "Mr. Zucker, what on earth has happened to warrant you coming here personally?"