Independence

At 8:00 pm, Paul treated everyone to late–night snacks

As soon as they sat down, Sandy said enthusiastically. This place has the best and most affordable skewers. Miranda, you have to try their signature spicy beef skewers. I ordered a few extra for you.”

Silas sat beside Miranda and poured juice for her. “It’s hot tonight, so drink some juice to cool off. There are appetizers over there, too. The pickled cucumbers are delicious. Want some?”

Their sudden friendliness surprised her. She figured they might believe she had been wronged earlier and were trying to make up for it. It made her feel both amused and exasperated.NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

Elizabeth observed silently, her lips tightly pursed. She used to be the center of attention, but since Miranda arrived, she noticed everyone slowly shifted their attention toward Miranda while she could do nothing about it.

“It’s a bit stuffy here. I’m going to step outside for some fresh air,” she said before getting up and leaving.

Noticing Elizabeth’s mood, Bryan also came up with an excuse to leave the table.

The nearby alley was a popular spot, lined with Interns Elizabeth wandered aimlessly, with Bryan trailing a short distance behind.

When she heard footsteps, she turned around impatiently. “How long are you going to follow me? Do you know that you’re annoying? Can’t I just get some air?”

Bryan hesitated for a moment, then slowly looked up. “Lizzy, did you really lose the data?”

Elizabeth’s eyes flickered. “What are you talking about?”

“We leave the laboratory right after work. When would you have had time to finish that set of experiments, let alone get the data?”

“What are you saying, Bryan?” Her voice was sharper now.

“You’re a good person. You shouldn’t do such things.”

Elizabeth bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly. “Are you accusing me? The data is mine. I wouldn’t risk my paper just to do something that only hurts others and me.”

“But I still don’t understand what you’re thinking.” Bryan looked at her intensely as if trying to read her

mind.

She instinctively avoided his gaze. “I’m the victim here. Instead of helping me find the culprit who deleted the data, you’re blaming me…”

He frowned at her stubbornness. “Even though I took the blame upon myself, you know best whether I used your computer. I just want you to be honest with me.”

Elizabeth’s anger flared as she faced his accusations. “Even if it was me, so what? I did it, and I’m not hiding it. Are you going to report me? If that’s what you want, do it now. I don’t want your pity or to have you taking the fall for me.”

Bryan was taken aback. “Why?”