The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Calvin strolled into Mr. Belcher's office, finding Wade already there, deep in conversation about their latest research.

These two were big shots at the institute, both holding positions as researchers for a national organization, though their work took them down slightly different paths.

"Mr. Belcher, here are the documents you asked for." Calvin, cradling a stack of papers, gently placed them on the desk.

Mr. Belcher, at sixty-five, wore his wrinkles lightly, maintaining a stern and commanding presence, a stark contrast to Wade's laid-back demeanor. His air of authority was unmistakable.

He nodded, signaling Calvin to leave.

Just as Calvin was about to step out, Mr. Belcher recalled something and called him back.

"I heard some of your research data got leaked?" Mr. Belcher's brows knit together in concern. "How could you be so careless? Have you figured out who did it?"noveldrama

Calvin's palms grew clammy at the mention of the leak. It was a serious issue. He glanced from Mr. Belcher to Wade and back. "I'm sorry, it was my oversight. We haven't identified the culprit yet."

Calvin might have spilled the beans about Zane if Wade hadn't been in the room. But today wasn't the day for that...

With no hard proof, Calvin had to bite his tongue.

He couldn't afford to cross Wade either.

"You've really dropped the ball here," Mr. Belcher didn't hold back.

Calvin hung his head, taking the reprimand without a word.

Wade, sipping his coffee, didn't even bother to look at him. "I think some of the institute's policies need revising," he remarked casually.

Calvin kept his mouth shut.

Mr. Belcher, surprised by the sudden comment, asked, "Why's that?"

Wade shifted, leaning on the sofa's armrest. "We need to avoid personal biases and the misuse of power, Mr. Belcher. What do you think?"

Calvin's face went ashen at Wade's words.

Mr. Belcher glanced at Calvin, fully grasping the underlying message in Wade's statement. Knowing Calvin's tendencies, he nodded. "Absolutely, we can't let the institute's atmosphere get toxic."

Wade smiled, smoothly changing the subject. "By the way, have you received the research proposal and funding request from the Informatics Department?"

Calvin stiffened at the mention.

"Not yet, but they have a research topic?" Mr. Belcher's surprise was evident. "What's it about?"

Wade threw a quick look at Calvin before answering, "Artificial Life research."

Mr. Belcher's eyes lit up with recognition. "Is this the Technology Institute's Artificial Life Systems project?"

Wade nodded. "Exactly. Their Artificial Life system still needs work. If our institute can solve their problems, it'd be a major win."

"That it would," Mr. Belcher, always one for boosting the institute's rep, agreed. After a pause, he added, "But the Informatics Department hasn't done much like this in years. The recent students haven't exactly been standout, right?"

"It's not that they aren't talented," Wade sighed, pausing for effect. "They just

haven't had the chance to shine. That's why I've brought in some external help for their department."