The Wife He Forgot to Marry (Winona and Yule) novel Chapter 385

"Cole is an incredibly diligent student who stays on top of the absolute latest scientific literature," Winona stated clearly. "This specific data point references the newest metrics published in the OPR journal. Coincidentally, that journal issue was released on the 10th of last month. This means that Tanner's version relies on outdated, obsolete data, while Cole's version uses the newly updated metrics."

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing through the camera. "Let me ask you this: Anyone capable of writing a proposal this advanced would naturally be meticulous. How could the supposed original author fail to track their own cited literature? How could they miss such a glaring, basic error? Was it sheer incompetence, or is it because Tanner never wrote this proposal in the first place?"

Winona didn't let up. "Locke Group prides itself on being a top-tier pharmaceutical firm in Riverton, yet not a single member of your R&D leadership caught this error. In fact, your Director just publicly declared this flawed proposal 'flawless.' I severely question Ms. Shipley's professional competence."

Tallulah sat frozen, completely blindsided. In pharmaceutical R&D, even the most microscopic data variance could lead to catastrophic safety failures. Openly endorsing a proposal with a fatal data flaw was an unforgivable academic and professional humiliation. Anyone with real R&D experience was hyper-sensitive to data accuracy. Tallulah's face burned as if she'd been slapped.

Tanner's hands shook, his fingernails digging into his palms. His girlfriend had racked up a massive amount of debt with loan sharks, and he couldn't just watch her get destroyed. That was the only reason he had accepted Tallulah's bribe to play this part. He assumed it was just going to be an easy act—he hadn't even bothered to read the stolen proposal thoroughly. With his elite academic background, he figured the public would blindly take his word over an undergrad's.

He never expected to run into someone as sharp as Winona. His only saving grace was his plan to move abroad for work; even if his reputation burned locally, he could still escape.

The tide in the comments violently shifted.

"I barely understand the science, but that just brutally proved Goddard Group is innocent."

"Cole is the top genius in our class! His professors have always vouched for him!"

It was undeniable who had actually stolen the work.

Nolan Archer swiftly cut the video feed to Locke Group. "Regarding Tanner's blatant plagiarism of Cole's intellectual property, Goddard Group will be pursuing full legal action. Furthermore, we will launch a formal investigation into whether Locke Group actively conspired to harbor and promote this plagiarist. Now, let's return to the finals."

The defense resumed. Unfazed by the drama, Winona seamlessly returned to asking highly technical, composed questions. Her elegant, gentle demeanor, combined with her striking beauty, captivated the massive audience that had tuned in for the scandal.

Yulen finally tracked Tallulah down. He stormed in, fully intending to tear her apart, but found her lying weakly in bed, heavily pregnant and staring at him with tearful, pleading eyes. He forced his fury down.

*The baby is what matters most,* he reminded himself. *Locke Group taking a PR hit is temporary. I can't risk the baby's health over this.*

Taking a deep breath, he spoke with icy restraint. "From now on, no more stunts. You will quietly handle your current projects and absolutely nothing else. Stay out of the public eye."

He hadn't screamed, but the cold finality in his voice cut Tallulah deep. She felt incredibly wronged. Who had she done this all for? She just wanted to cripple Goddard Group so Locke could seize their market share! It hadn't worked out, but her intentions were purely for the benefit of Yulen and the company!

"Camille is going to be out for blood," Yulen added flatly. "You'd better hide out here in Seabrook City for a few days. Do not come home yet."