All Her Secrets By Chestnut

Chapter 685 In Cahoots
The news of Catherine's return to the laboratory quickly spread throughout the entire building. No one had expected her to come back.
However, just because the members of Marshall's research group had no objections didn't mean that members from other research groups wouldn't cause trouble. In about half an hour, several people from different laboratories joined forces and gathered at Marshall's research group's laboratory entrance.
Leading these people was Paddy McLaughlin, a senior from the neighboring biology department. Their research project had always been one of the hottest projects at the school, second only to Marshall's project, which they had long been dissatisfied with. However, due to Marshall's reputation and the fact that their professor wasn't one to seek fame, they had refrained from causing a scene.
But this time, they couldn't hold back. They incited several members from other laboratories to unite and confront Marshall's research group.
The commotion outside caught the attention of the members of Marshall's research group. Upon hearing the news, Ciaran went out to check what was going on, and the rest of the group followed suit. However, Catherine remained calm, sitting at her desk and working on her experimental data.
As Ciaran stepped outside, he saw the crowd blocking the doorway, their expressions particularly grim. To avoid a conflict, he suppressed his anger and calmly addressed the group. "Why is everyone gathered here? Aren't you guys busy?"
Paddy stepped forward, glaring at Ciaran. "I heard that your group's traitor has returned to the laboratory. Is she planning to steal data again? Hand her over right now!"
The manner in which Paddy spoke was quite rude, and the expressions of Ciaran and the others turned particularly sour.
Ronan Flynn, the second youngest member of Marshall's research group, usually liked to work on experiments with Catherine and had a very good impression of her. Despite Catherine's young age, she was talented, generous, and willing to teach others. Ronan was the least likely in the entire laboratory to believe she would do such a thing.
Now, hearing Paddy's slander of Catherine, Ronan exploded with rage and seemed ready to charge forward. " Paddy, shut the hell up! You are just spouting nonsense!"
Faced with Ronan's rebuttal, Paddy had a smug and mocking expression on his face. "Oh, are you getting worked up now? So you also think she is a traitor, don't you? I've always wondered how Catherine managed to steal data from the laboratory alone. Could it be that you're all in cahoots with her?"
The four words "in cahoots with her" immediately stirred up Ronan. "You fucking asshole!" he exclaimed, charging forward.
Ciaran quickly restrained Ronan. While on the other side, Paddy seemed eager for a fight, shouting, "Come on! Come over here if you dare!"
Ciaran, after pulling Ronan away, glared at Paddy. Although he also wanted to teach Paddy a lesson, he knew that fighting wouldn't solve the problem. It would only escalate the conflict.
"What do you mean, Paddy?" Ciaran asked, his face stern. "The school is still investigating the leak. Without evidence, it's inappropriate for you to pin the blame on Catherine like this, isn't it?"
"Inappropriate?" Paddy sneered, saying to Ciaran in a sarcastic tone, She was taken away publicly by Mr. Farrell. Why do you have to ask me for evidence? Are you out of your mind? Or is it true, as I said, that you all are in cahoots?"
"Then tell me, if Catherine really leaked the information, how could she be allowed to come to the lab today? Wouldn't the school hold her accountable?" Ciaran questioned. "And if she really leaked the data, how could she leave unscathed?" he added.
These two simple questions left everyone stunned. As Ciaran had said, if Catherine were indeed the leaker, the school would be the first to punish her. Moreover, this matter was too significant, and the school might not even have the final say. The research project was led by higher authorities and involved several very important national resources. Otherwise, how could Marshall's research group be so popular?
After a few seconds, Paddy came back to his senses. Seeing the people around calming down, he began to incite them again. "Don't listen to his one-sided words. Everyone knows she's Marshall's favorite student, always under his protection. After she was taken away yesterday, Marshall rushed out immediately. Who knows what's really going on?" He paused momentarily before continuing, "And haven't you heard from the economics department? Catherine is also Shane Breen's student. So, it shouldn't be difficult for her to be released on bail, right?"
Paddy's words caused quite a stir among the crowd. Those who had been wavering were now firm in their beliefs, thinking that Catherine had leaked the data. The commotion started up again.
Ciaran watched the situation unfold, feeling overwhelmed. He was an academic specialist, so solving mathematical problems wasn't an issue for him. However, dealing with this kind of scheming and plotting was not his forte. He could only secretly send someone to seek advice from the professor, but Marshall had gone to the procuratorate today and was not at the school. It seemed unlikely he would return anytime soon.
Seeing Ciaran's distress, Paddy felt somewhat smug and continued to incite the situation, escalating the tension. He raised his arm and shouted, demanding that Catherine show herself. "Where is the leaker?" Those who had come with Paddy also shouted.
A sudden interruption occurred as the situation seemed to get out of control. " Did you call for me?"
Amidst the noisy chaos, the clear, deep voice sounded particularly abrupt. Someone noticed it, but no one paid attention. The shouting was too loud for anyone to notice such a low voice.
Bang!
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Suddenly, a loud bang echoed
through the room, causing everyone to look over. They saw a chain m smashed against the wall, shattering into pieces. The commotion gradually subsided as everyone followed the direction where the chair
had been thrown. The content is on
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chapter there!
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Catherine stood with her arms crossed, her expression still as cold as usual. As she noticed everyone! looking at her she slowly raised her eyes, her gaze sharp, sweeping over the crowd like a blade. The scene fell silent, and her intimidating presence left everyone speechless. The content is on bignovels.com! Read the latest chapter there!
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In the quiet environment, Catherine's cold voice sounded particularly clear. "Sorry, I didn't speak loud enough. I was afraid you wouldn't hear me. Ciaran, the cost of the damaged chair will be deducted from my allowance
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Ciaran paused momentarily before realizing his name had been mentioned,
nodding in a daze.
After addressing the matter, Catherine turned her gaze to Paddy. "Are you
looking for me?"
Her calm, indifferent gaze made Paddy tense up, rendering him unable to speak,
feeling a tightening in his throat.