Chapter 433: Maya Torres' Eyes Widened

Maya Torres' eyes widened, her throat tightening as her fingers unconsciously clutched Clara Whitmore's sleeve.

"Clara... There isn't another Clara Whitmore at our university, right?"

Noah Kessler rubbed his forehead. "Are you out of your mind?"

"This is called being cautious!" Maya lifted her chin stubbornly. "What if we got the wrong person? That'd be so awkward..."

Clara blinked, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Pretty sure... I'm the only one."

"Ahhh—" Maya sprang up like a coiled spring. "My roommate is a prodigy! My bestie is a genius! Clara, I'm sticking with you from now on!"

Noah scoffed. "Pathetic."

"Oh, you're so impressive? Then go form your own team." Maya rolled her eyes.

Noah turned directly to Clara. "When did you submit the paper?"

Maya immediately leaned in closer.

"During summer break," Clara replied softly.

Noah nodded thoughtfully.

At the podium, President Hall clapped excitedly. "Would Clara Whitmore please come up and share her experience?"

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the auditorium.

Even Derek Romano raised his hand to clap lightly.

Zach Nolan turned in surprise. "Senior, you..."

A rare smile touched Derek's lips. "The path of scientific research is never short of geniuses."

His gaze grew distant. "A hundred flowers blooming together—that's the true way forward."

Avery Quinn's expression, however, darkened—shifting from shock to jealousy, then twisting into bitter resentment.

Lenora Voss's smile vanished completely, her eyes turning icy.

Clara walked steadily to the stage.

"Scientific research is a lonely marathon," her clear voice rang out. "Some give up midway, others lose their way. Only by holding fast to your original intent can you reach the finish line."

With that, she bowed to the audience, her gaze locking onto Lenora Voss's team.

Lenora's fingers twitched, unable to meet her eyes.

Derek's dark eyes deepened like ink.

"I have a question!" Avery suddenly stood up.

President Hall motioned for her to speak.

"It's only been two months since the semester started. How could she possibly complete a Meridian Science-level project?"

The room fell silent.

"From topic selection to experiments, data analysis to paper writing—the normal process takes at least a year." Avery raised her voice. "Unless—"

She pointed sharply at Clara. "She plagiarized!"

The air froze.