Chapter 171
She remembered Zachary making soup in her kitchen before giving her medicine. Setting up a pot, she made herself a simple
chicken soup.
The plagiarism incident was resolved swiftly. Within two days, Grace’s paper was retracted and a formal announcement made.
The university promptly terminated her employment.
Sarah had just finished reading the notice when she received a call from the Academic Journal.
They were direct. “Miss Sanders, your research is groundbreaking. Once you publish, we’d like to discuss featuring it in our
journal.”
Sarah stayed professional. “I’ll reach out after publication.‘
Meanwhile, the Psychology Journal’s editor emailed, apologizing for their previous harsh treatment.
“We deeply regret our hasty judgment. Your paper is exceptional, and we were dismayed to see Harrison’s publication. Now that
the misunderstanding is cleared could we discuss publication?”
“Certainly,” Sarah replied.
Both prestigious journals wanted her work, though she could only choose one.
Standing by her office window with her tea, Sarah watched Grace leaving campus with her belongings, passing the counseling
center
She felt no pity, only curiosity about how Grace had obtained the paper. Security footage showed Grace only moving between her office and parking lot.
According to Professor Wells, Grace had never contacted him.
Grace suddenly stopped and looked back, her eyes burning with hatred.
Sarah assumed it was just anger, but the next day, while working, her phone rang
“I have Mia. Come to the front gate now if you want her safe! Tell anyone, and she’s done for!”
Before Sarah could process this, she received a photo of Mia bound with rope.
Heart racing, she ran from her office, trying Mia’s phone repeatedly without success.
The campus entrance was empty except for a black van approaching on Main Street
Sarah speed–dialed Zachary, minimizing the volume and slipping the phone into her pocket.
The van stopped. She got in nervously, shocked to recognize the driver “Grace! Where’s Mia? What are you doing? Her brother is Zachary Reynolds he’ll destroy you for this! I memorized your plate – SAU836!”
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Grace locked the doors. “Hand over your phone!”
Sarah held it up. “Where are you keeping Mia?”
“You’ll see! Throw the phone out!” Grace watched through the mirror.
“Tell me what you want first. Money? What?” Sarah dangled the phone outside.
“Drop it! My partner is watching Mia!” Grace sounded unhinged.
Sarah’s hand trembled as she let the phone fall.
Seeing her comply, Grace said, “I don’t want money! I want research! Something even more groundbreaking than your last paper! You can do it, I know you can!”
Sarah froze. “Fine, I’ll do it. But first is Mia
okay?”
