Chapter 8
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Julian, though slightly tarnished by recent events, desperately needed a major achievement to secure his position.
So he decided to take a calculated risk.
He submitted a groundbreaking paper to the hospital's academic committee: "Clinical Research on New Interventional Therapy for Congenital Heart Disease."
When I saw the title, ice flooded my veins.
This was my father's life work—research he'd spent decades perfecting!
Before he could publish it, the "accident" happened.
Afterward, all original materials and data were "safeguarded" by Julian Winters, his devoted student.
Ten years had passed.
Like a snake in the grass, he'd patiently waited until memories faded and the research's value could bring him maximum benefit. Only then did he strike.
He intended to claim my father's life's work as his own—and this crossed my final line.
That evening, I called a meeting with Lucas and Iris.
It was the first time the three of us had gathered.
"He's publishing my father's research," I said bluntly. "We move now."
Lucas's fist clenched silently under the table.
Iris met my gaze, her eyes no longer timid or confused but blazing with determination.
"Dr. Shaw, Dr. Reed," she said firmly, "tell me what you need me to do."
I looked at my unlikely allies and laid out my plan.
