The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 515

Cordelia was in the midst of expressing her gratitude to Dr. Dustin.

"Thank you, Dr. Dustin," Cordelia said, her voice heavy with emotion. "I've poured my heart and soul into this research for the better part of a year."

"Don't worry, Cordelia. I haven't read a word of your thesis. Judging by the title, it's undoubtedly your work. Somehow, it ended up in my inbox," Dustin replied.

Deep down, Cordelia had her suspicions. She figured it was probably Harold's doing. Dustin was his mentor, after all. Harold must have swiped her research to share with Professor Dustin, hoping to collaborate and potentially rake in a significant grant or prize money.

Cordelia had her reservations about Harold, but these were mere suspicions, and she hadn't shared them with anyone. It seemed Dr. Dustin shared her suspicions. He had taken Harold aside for a talk.

When Dustin looked at Harold, his gaze was loaded with meaning. "Harold, scholarship must be founded on integrity, do you understand?" he said with gravitas.

Harold quickly caught on to what Professor Dustin was hinting at. The rumors had been swirling around campus, claiming he had stolen Cordelia's research to curry favor with his mentor. Others whispered that Harold, having failed to win Cordelia's affections, sought to embarrass her.

"Do you really think so, Dr. Dustin?" Harold asked, standing tall with his hands clasped behind his back, his face a mask of righteous indignation.

"Let's just say there better not be a 'next time,' understand? If there is, I'll have no choice but to request your dismissal from the program," Dustin warned.

A shadow crossed Harold's face as he pressed his lips together tightly, perhaps realizing Cordelia might think the same of him. He suspected Petra might be responsible, but he couldn't fathom why. They had no past grievances, yet he lacked concrete evidence of Petra's involvement.

Without accusing Petra outright, Harold bore the whispers and the pointed fingers alone. Eventually, the strain became too much, and he signed up for the university's military service program.

Once admired for his academic prowess, artistic talent, and basketball skills, Harold now carried an undeserved stigma. He felt misunderstood by his mentor, misjudged by the woman he cared for, and was as welcome as a rat crossing the path of an angry mob.

Harold, a man of principle, decided to leave school. He shared his decision with Janice, who vehemently opposed it, but Harold was resolute. He was going to enlist.