Jackson stormed in. Without even glancing at Helena, he rushed to Laica's side, cradling her protectively.
"Jackson, I... I just came to check on Helena..." Laica whimpered, tears sparkling as she trembled pitifully in his arms.
Jackson turned, his eyes cold and cutting like shards of ice. "Helena—what the hell is wrong with you now?"
"She—she sent those photos online!" Helena's voice shook with rage.
But Jackson only looked more disgusted. "Those photos were leaked by those thugs from last night! I've already handled it!"
"Laica came out of kindness, and you still slandered her?!" His voice cracked like a whip. "Apologize to her!"
Apologize?
Helena stared at him, eyes burning with disbelief and hatred. "I did nothing wrong."
"I won't apologize."
Jackson's expression hardened into fury. His patience snapped. He turned to the guards at the door, his voice like steel.
"Lock her in the basement."
"No food. No water. Let's see how long she can keep that stubborn mouth shut."
The guards grabbed her roughly. Helena didn't struggle.
She only turned her hollow, lifeless eyes toward Laica—who was nestled in Jackson's arms, smiling triumphantly.
...
Darkness. Cold. Hunger.
Time blurred.
Helena didn't know how long she'd been locked in the basement. Her lips were dry, her body weak, her stomach twisting in pain.
Just as her vision began to fade into black, the door finally creaked open.
Jackson's tall figure blocked the only light in the dark basement, his shadow stretching long across the floor. He looked down at the woman curled up on the cold ground, his expression devoid of even a trace of warmth.
"Remember this lesson," he said flatly. His voice was as cold and unfeeling as steel.
"If you dare to hurt Laica again, it won't end as easily as this."
That night, Helena was finally allowed back to her room.
The first thing she did was grab her phone.
The screen lit up, and a message popped into view.
It was from her brother, Henry.
Attached were a series of files and recordings—undeniable evidence.
Evidence proving how, three years ago, Laica had stolen another researcher's work and fabricated the award-winning thesis that made her famous.
A minute later, another encrypted email quietly appeared in her inbox.
Hands trembling, Helena opened it.
Inside was an investigation report from her senior at the research institute—and the truth struck her like lightning.
Jennelyn was innocent too.