“If you defended your thesis next week, the patent would have belonged to the academic committee.”

“Hayes Industries needs this research, Evelyn.”

“Our stock is falling, and our competitors are closing in.”

“I couldn’t let your academic pride ruin this family’s legacy.”

“My academic pride?” I felt a hot surge of anger rise in my chest.

“This is my life’s work, Dad.”

“Hunter plagiarized my findings to save his own career.”

“He tried to destroy my reputation.”

“And you let him do it?”

“It was the only way to create a dispute,” Arthur said, his voice remaining flat and practical.

“A dispute over the authorship means the university cannot file for the patent yet.”

“It gave us the window we needed to acquire the data.”

“You colluded with them,” I said, the truth hitting me like a physical blow.

“You colluded with the people who are trying to ruin me.”

“I did what was necessary for the survival of this company,” my father replied.

“You will still be taken care of, Evelyn.”

“Once the transition is complete, I will make sure you have a senior research position here.”