Chapter 139 She Doesn't Need to Prove Herself
Hector asked, "Got any ideas?"
"Yeah, we can try to restore the deleted data, check the deletion logs to see when it happened, and figure out who was in the lab at that time."
Hector nodded, "Makes sense, but who's gonna do it? The recycle bin's already empty, so it might be tough."
Camilla chimed in, "I can give it a shot."
She hadn't mentioned it earlier because restoring data takes time, and checking the surveillance footage seemed quicker and easier. But now, it was clear the footage wasn't going to help.
Just as Camilla sat down at the computer and placed her hands on the keyboard, Sebastian suddenly stopped her.
Everyone, including Camilla, looked at him, puzzled.
Sebastian said, "Hold on. We don't have any solid evidence against Camilla. All we've got are Doris's suspicions. It's like if your wallet gets stolen and you just grab the shadiest-looking person around. Does that mean they have to prove they're not a thief just because you think they look suspicious? They might just call you crazy."
He turned to Camilla, saying, "You have the ability to uncover the truth, but never let yourself fall into the trap of self-justification."
Camilla had to admit, she was impressed by Sebastian's clear-headedness.
"Right," Betty said, slapping her forehead, "why should Camilla have to prove her innocence? It's up to the accuser to provide evidence."
Everyone turned to look at Doris.
Her confident smile faltered, not understanding how things had turned against her so quickly.
"I was just suspicious," Doris stammered, "I didn't say it was definitely Camilla."
Sebastian said, "Then let's call the police."
Betty nodded in agreement.
Hector raised his hands, "Sounds fair to me."
"Alright," Sebastian said, pulling out his phone.
Doris's eyes darted around, wanting to say something but afraid of making it worse.
As the call was about to be made, Doris nervously bit her lip, her palms sweating.
Just then, Darren, who had been quiet, stepped forward. "I just remembered, yesterday afternoon before leaving, I used Doris's computer. I deleted some useless files and emptied the recycle bin. I might've accidentally deleted her data."
He scratched his head, "Sorry for all the trouble. My bad."
He turned to Doris, "Sorry, Doris, you'll have to redo it."
Doris stiffly replied, "It's okay."
Betty's eyes darted between the two. "Glad we cleared that up. Darren, be more careful next time."
"Yeah, yeah."
Camilla, looking indifferent, said, "If there's nothing else, I'll get back to work." She didn't offer to help Doris recover the data.
As she turned to leave, she caught Sebastian's concerned gaze. She smiled and mouthed, "Thank you."
Sebastian smiled back.
At 8 PM, Sebastian invited everyone out for a late-night snack.
"This barbecue joint is cheap and delicious, Camilla. You gotta try the signature beef. I'll order a few more for you," Betty said enthusiastically as soon as they sat down.
Hector, sitting to Camilla's left, poured her a cup of water. "It's hot, and you might overheat. Have some cold water first. There are also some appetizers over there. Want some?"
Camilla was taken aback by their sudden enthusiasm, guessing they might feel guilty for wrongly accusing her and wanted to make amends. She couldn't help but find it amusing.
Doris silently watched the scene, her lips pursing tighter and tighter.
Before, she was the one everyone took care of. Since Camilla arrived, she watched as everyone gradually sided with Camilla, but there was nothing she could do.
"It's a bit stuffy. I'm going to get some fresh air," Doris said, getting up and leaving.
Darren noticed Doris's mood and found an excuse to leave as well.
The nearby alley was a famous Instagram spot, with colorful ribbons hanging on both sides. Doris walked aimlessly, and Darren followed at a distance.
Hearing footsteps, Doris turned back and said impatiently, "How long are you going to follow me? Isn't it annoying? Can't I even get some fresh air?"
Darren was silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head. "Doris, did you really lose your data?"
Doris's eyes flickered. "What do you mean by that?"
"These days, we leave the lab as soon as work is over. When did you have time to complete that set of experiments, let alone produce data?"
"Darren, what exactly are you trying to say?!" Doris was getting angry, her voice unconsciously rising.
"I'm saying you're a good person and shouldn't do such things."
Doris bit her lip, her voice tinged with a bit of a sob. "You suspect me? The data is mine. Do I need to risk not being able to complete my thesis to do something that harms others without benefiting myself?"
Darren replied, "So I don't understand why you would do such things."
Darren's gaze was intense, as if trying to see through her soul.
Doris instinctively avoided his gaze. "I'm the victim here. Instead of helping me find the real person who deleted the data, you're here accusing me."
Seeing her denial, Darren frowned. "Even though I stepped forward and took all the blame, you know very well whether I used your computer or not. I just hope you'll be honest with me."
Faced with his questioning, Doris became angry out of shame. "So what if I did it? I did it, are you going to report me?! Fine, go ahead, do it now! I don't need your charity to take the blame for me!"
Darren was stunned, stammering, "Why?"
Doris said, "Before Camilla showed up, everything in our lab was fine. Since she arrived, everything changed! Sebastian, Betty, Hector, and even you, you all only have eyes for Camilla. She's perfect in every way! 'Camilla, Camilla, Camilla!' I'm sick of hearing her name. I just want things to go back to normal, is that so wrong?"
Doris was relatively calm at first, but as she spoke, her suppressed emotions burst out like a flood, uncontrollable.
Seeing Doris like a wounded animal, Darren's heart softened, and he blurted out, "Doris, I like you. Be my girlfriend!"
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