Chapter 273
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273
Shaun said, “You don’t have any evidence to prove that you led this research. All the research data was shared, so there was never a situation where Lyle was unaware of things.
“Even if you find out who was behind it, it won’t matter. No one would believe you were slandered. They’ll just think you paid someone to take the blame. At this point, no matter what you do, is useless.”
Just as Shaun said, things had reached a point where, unless I could present solid evidence proving that I led the successful research, no one would believe me.
Shaun knew me well. He knew the conditions of my research and had planned his scheme perfectly.
“Emi, it’s too late. There’s nothing you can do to change things now. I know that I’ve wronged both you and Mr. Holland, but I had no other choice.”
If he had any other option, he wouldn’t have resorted to this.
He continued, “I know the current situation has made things very difficult for Mr. Holland and you, but you don’t have to worry about your future or his.
“And you don’t need to worry about staying in the country. I’ve accepted an invitation from a research institute abroad, and I’m leaving soon. I can take both of you with me, and we can live there
“In a foreign country, no one will recognize or judge you. I’ll work hard and earn money to give you and Mr. Holland the best life possible. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you!”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Work hard to support us and make it up to us? Do you actually think you’re a saint, that you’re sacrificing yourself for us?”
He had ruined our lives, yet he wanted us to be grateful for his efforts.
I let out another cold laugh.
“Shaun, I must have been blind. How did I not see how utterly disgusting you are?” I sneered. “You want to make it up to us? Do you think we need your pity? Do you even deserve to offer it?
“Mr. Holland is a nationally recognized professor who receives government funding. Even if you spent your whole life trying, you might never achieve what he has. Why would he need your pity and support?
“And me? Forget my research achievements, just the fact that I own two publicly listed companies means that a single business deal earns me more than you could make in a lifetime. Do you really think I need you to provide for me?”
I scoffed. “Make it up to me?”
We could still live great lives. Why would we need his so–called efforts and sacrifices?
Shaun looked at me as if I had no idea how harsh life can be. He sighed. “Emi, your companies‘ stock price had already hit rock bottom. Irvin is gone, and you don’t have the ability to save your companies at all. How long do you think your companies will survive under these circumstances?”
He continued, “When they go bankrupt and your reputation is ruined, it will be impossible for you to stay in the research field. How are you going to survive then?
“Emi, you’re no longer the superior and powerful person you once were. You’ve never gone through real hardship in life, you have no idea how difficult your life will be in the future.”
I stared at Shaun as I recalled the past. I thought about his intelligence and how kind and reliable he was to me.
And suddenly, I found myself questioning life and everything else.