Hartley, I reviewed Noah’s competition submission last month.”
Michael's jaw tightened.
Professor Park continued.
“His paper extends a mathematical framework I haven't seen since Laura was my doctoral student.”
She looked at me.
“The notation was unmistakable.”
I whispered, “The Triad Model.”
“Yes.”
Michael interrupted.
“That model was developed collaboratively.”
“No,” Professor Park said.
“You attended two lab meetings.”
His face hardened.
“I funded—”
“You brought coffee twice.”
Someone behind me made a sound suspiciously like a laugh.
Professor Park didn't smile.
“I still have Laura's original research drafts in university archives.”
Michael’s confidence cracked.
“Those records don't prove commercial ownership.”
“No.”
Professor Park pointed toward the document in his hand.
“But
a forged assignment might prove fraud.
”
Rebecca whispered:
“Forged?”
Michael rounded on me.
