Chapter 961 The Investigation
Despite Catherine’s admission of her involvement in the laboratory project data leak, Ultan still couldn’t believe that.
He looked at Catherine with astonishment. Then he turned to Marshall, who stood beside him. Marshall also wore a bewildered expression, clearly not understanding the current situation.
Seeing Ultan’s gaze, Marshall, in a public setting, gestured for Ultan to continue. After a brief exchange between them, Ultan proceeded with questioning Catherine. He asked, ” Catherine, since you’ve admitted that the project data was leaked by you, I think you need to explain the matter of the substantial bribery payment. What do you think?”
Catherine remained cold. “I’ve said it before. There was no substantial bribery payment.”
“So, you mean you didn’t take any money? Then tell me, if not for money, why did you leak the experimental data? There must be a reason. As the lead on the project, don’t you understand its significance to you?” Ultan’s tone gradually became stern. He couldn’t comprehend Catherine’s actions.
“Nothing special. I just share the data for better completion of experiments.” Catherine’s explanation seemed pale, and no one at the scene believed her reasons.
The senior students of the experimental group initially believed in Catherine. After spending so much time together, they trusted Catherine, thinking she wouldn’t do such a thing.
However, Catherine’s response disappointed them completely.
The atmosphere grew tense, and everyone changed their view about Catherine.
Many became angry, eager to question Catherine and uncover the truth. Because this wasn’t just a project Catherine was responsible for. It involved everyone’s honor and was closely related to the interests of those present.
They couldn’t accept that Catherine would do such a thing. They felt deceived and became furious.
With discussions escalating, Ultan had to take action to appease the anger. He decided to undergo an investigation regarding Catherine. “Catherine, given your unique circumstances and the broad implications of this matter, I have decided to suspend all your laboratory experiments, restrict your access to the laboratory building, and require your full cooperation in our investigation until we uncover the truth of this situation.”
Catherine remained expressionless. Obviously, the outcome was a bit lighter than she had imagined. She was about to agree when the conference room door was forcefully opened from the outside.
Rylan entered with his assistant, exuding a formidable aura.
Seeing him, both Ultan and the leaders of the institution wore displeased expressions. After all, this was an internal matter for the school, and they had convened only the research personnel of the laboratory project to handle it. Now that Rylan had appeared, there was a possibility of the issue escalating. They didn’t want that to happen.
Ultan remained calm and looked at Rylan with his sharp eyes. “Mr. Melton, what brings you here today?”
Rylan glanced at Catherine with a gentle expression. Then he turned to Ultan with a serious demeanor. “Mr. Farrell, with such a significant data leak in the experiment sponsored by our company, shouldn’t you have informed me?”
Ultan looked embarrassed. They were originally in a leading role in the relationship with Rylan’s company. Because their experiments didn’t lack sponsorship. But now, the situation was different. They were in the wrong, and most importantly, they had been caught red-handed, leaving Ultan unnerving.
Ultan replied, “Mr. Melton, the details of this leak are still uncertain. We are currently investigating, and once we have results, we will contact your company.”
Rylan said with a cold smile, “Mr. Farrell, I understand your meaning, but since I’ve received the information, why not let me get involved directly? Wouldn’t that be more effective?”
Initially, Rylan was negotiating, but suddenly, he became more resolute. ” Mr. Farrell, our company has invested a significant amount of money in this project. Any incident may affect our company’s reputation. I think you can understand that, right?”
Ultan detected a warning tone in the words, and he understood that Rylan wouldn’t relent today. After some consideration, he replied, “Alright, Mr. Melton. Please wait.”
Rylan nodded and sat quietly on the side.
“Catherine, stay. The rest of you, return to your positions and continue working,” Ultan said. Those who had hoped to know the truth now had to reluctantly exit the scene.
With everyone gone, Catherine remained calmly seated in her position. She casually played with her phone, as if unaffected by the situation.
Ultan was aware of the connection between Rylan and Catherine. He decided to disclose the details of the project leak to see Rylan’s reaction. ” Mr. Melton, Catherine just admitted that she was responsible for the project data leak. What are your thoughts?”
Rylan turned to look at Catherine, seemingly seeking confirmation.
Catherine looked at him and replied calmly, “Yes. It was me.” She seemed somewhat arrogant, but those familiar with Catherine knew that this was just her personality.
Rylan looked a bit unpleasant. After receiving the news, he rushed here, and his greatest concern was Catherine. He knew she would adopt this nonchalant attitude. She didn’t care about others’ opinions and was disdainful of lying.
“Mr. Farrell, I believe in Catherine’s character. I’m sure there must be some unavoidable reason for her actions,” Rylan said.
Ultan inwardly sighed in relief. While he had already anticipated the outcome, Rylan’s words carried a different weight. With the affirmation from the sponsoring party, they could handle the situation more easily.
Ultan also believed that Catherine must have her reasons, but her actions were always unpredictable, and even Marshall was unaware, let alone Ultan.
Despite Rylan’s trust, the incident had already occurred. The most important thing was to investigate thoroughly and provide a clear outcome to everyone.
As Ultan hesitated on how to proceed, Catherine suddenly stood up. “I’ll comply with all the school’s arrangements and decisions.”
After that, Catherine left the conference room. She couldn’t freely access the laboratory now and needed to leave as soon as possible.
Seeing this, Rylan left the others behind and chased after her.
