Chapter 227 Humiliating Herself
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions changed.
Only Camilla smiled.
She looked directly at Bronte, "What do you mean by cheating?"
Bronte shrugged, "A lot of things, like paying for connections, using your network, or even hiring someone to write for you."
Camilla, worried her voice wasn't loud enough, saw Hestia immediately run to the front row, grab a microphone, and run back with it, smiling as she handed it over.
Hestia thought, 'Camilla, go hard! Fight them back! I love it!'
Camilla took the microphone and tested it.
It was loud and clear.
"Bronte, right? First of all, you overestimate me. I don't have the money or the connections to bribe the editors at Science to make those senior researchers do me a favor and pass my paper against their conscience."
"As for hiring someone to write it, that's a good idea, but what could I possibly offer to convince someone capable of writing a Science paper to willingly work for me? You seem very familiar with these underhanded tactics. Why don't you teach me?"
Bronte reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, immediately flaring up. "What nonsense are you talking about! When did I ever hire someone to write for me? If you have proof, show it!"
Camilla looked puzzled, "When did I say you hired someone? No need to be so quick to defend yourself, right? Your reaction makes it easy for people to think you're feeling guilty."
Bronte was left speechless.
Camilla smirked slightly, "You asked me to show proof, so by the same logic, I ask you to show proof."
Bronte was completely at a loss for words.
She could only sit down, blushing with embarrassment.
Camilla observed her reactions, her gaze deepening.
Noe moved his lips, wanting to say something, but his eyes fell on the microphone in Camilla's hand.
He thought, 'Forget it.' He didn't want to step up and get humiliated.
At this moment, Calliope spoke up, but she was addressing the leader on stage, "Dwayne, does Camilla's Science paper have a corresponding author?"
Camilla was the first author.
But what about the corresponding author?
Dwayne nodded. "Yes."
Calliope's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
Everyone thought it was Aurora, but Dwayne said, "Sebastian."
It was another bombshell.
No wonder Camilla could complete such a high-quality paper in a short time. If Sebastian was involved, it made sense.
The corresponding author was usually the project leader, responsible for funding, design, and quality control.
The first author typically led most of the experimental work, spending the most time and effort, and was also the initial draft writer.
As a first-year graduate student, no matter how excellent, it would be hard for Camilla to reach a top academic journal like Science.
But if Sebastian was behind her, everything made sense.
Including what Bronte said earlier about time, skill level, and cheating—all of it wouldn't be an issue.
But why would Sebastian be the corresponding author for Camilla?
Considering Aurora and Sebastian's relationship, it was said that before Sebastian switched to the physics department, Aurora was his mentor.
Given their relationship, it seemed reasonable for Sebastian to help Camilla.
Calliope felt a wave of relief when she heard it wasn't Aurora.
But as soon as she heard Sebastian, that relief turned into tension again.
Wasn't this still Aurora's connections and influence?
At that moment, Calliope felt slapped in the face, but not directly—more like a side swipe that left her face burning.
The meeting ended, and everyone filed out of the auditorium.
Noe and his group slipped away faster than rabbits, hunching over and sticking to the edges as they left.
It was just too embarrassing.
And it was in front of the leaders and the entire faculty and students.
"Camilla, you were so cool just now!" Hestia looked at Camilla with admiration.
Royce lifted his chin. "Let's see who dares to look down on our group now."
"Exactly! Next time I see Noe and Bronte, I'll walk past them with my nose in the air."
Hestia felt thrilled just thinking about it.
This feeling was even better than helping her dad collect rent!
"Camilla, can we have more moments like this in the future?"
"You think this is a video game?" Royce rolled his eyes.
"I want to hit you!"
Royce, who couldn't take a joke!
Clara left the auditorium and was still in a daze when she got home.
"Hey!"
Elodie was carrying a bowl of soup, walking towards the living room, when Clara bumped into her absentmindedly.
The bowl almost tipped over.
Spilling the soup wasn't the issue; the problem was getting burned.
"Clara, what's wrong with you? You look lost. By the way, I've booked the restaurant for lunch tomorrow. Make sure to have a good conversation with Wilmer Finley and get to know each other better."
Elodie continued, "I've done my research. Wilmer is a top student from a prestigious university, not one of those rich kids who just buy their degrees. He's a true researcher! I heard he's published a ton of papers in SCI, almost all the top academic journals, except for Nature and Science."
Clara suddenly spoke, "Camilla published a paper in Science."
Elodie was puzzled.
Elodie said casually, "Why are you suddenly bringing up that woman?"
"It was Science," Clara said slowly, "the Science that Wilmer hasn't published in."
Elodie was stunned.
Another morning, Camilla had classes and was preparing to have breakfast at the school cafeteria.
As she opened the door, she ran into Sebastian coming out from the opposite side.
Their eyes met, and both were momentarily stunned.
Camilla spoke first, smiling, "Morning, Sebastian."
"Morning. Heading to school?"
"Yeah," Camilla nodded, "I'm planning to grab breakfast at the cafeteria first."
"Perfect, let's go together?"
"Sure."
As they walked downstairs, Sebastian suddenly turned, "Harmony College has already announced the good news. Congrats on your first success with Science."
"Thank you. It wouldn't have been so easy to get published without you lending me your lab and being my corresponding author."
Sebastian was a regular in Science.
He did have some influence.
"I only provided the opportunity. The deciding factor was your own ability."
Walking and talking in the morning sun, the scene was peaceful and beautiful.
Since their last conversation, Sebastian hadn't avoided Camilla anymore.
As for whether he still had those dreams.
Only Sebastian and the rows of sheets and bedding hanging on the balcony would know.
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