The Runaway Groom
Chapter 522

Chapter 522

“The director doesn't actually know..."

Before Tobey could finish, Stephen had already cut him short. "You'rethe deputy director, but you're saying that you don't have the director'sapproval to publish that paper? Do you take US for idiots?"

"No, you misunderstand-what I meant was that the director does notknow about the data,” Tobey admitted. "He's at the age where heshould retire soon, whereas I must contribute if I want to bepromoted..."

"So you published the data and tried to pass it off as your own?!"Stephen's hands were clenched into fists-Irene had trusted him somuch and handed him something so important.

However, it was his own inability to replace the right people that her effortwent to waste, and now, she was in danger.

“Did you think you were going to make it just because you did this? I'lltalk to the director and tell him the truth!"

Stephen was beside himself with rage at Tobey's betrayal andcontinued, saying, "I trusted you-handed you something somonumental on a silver platter, only for you to claim it for yourself! Youcould have done it while benefiting everyone, but you didn't, did you?You don't deserve to be a director, not with your character and attitude!"Tobey had been touted by everyone in Hotmesh to be the next directorthanks to the publication of the academic papers, and he would bepromoted once the director retired.

If Stephen spoke with the director, however, Tobey's career would beover instead.

"Look, I'm sorry about this, Stephen-"

"Do you really think an apology cuts it now?!" James snapped.

After learning the whole story, he only felt anger and disappointmenttoward his fellow Zidonians.

All they cared about was prestige and profit, and they were so short-sighted they never wondered about potential repercussions.

He certainly felt bad for Irene for going through such great lengths tosteal the research data, hoping that she can help Zidonian's medicalscene develop, only for one man's selfishness to ruin it all.

Tobey Kitsch deserved nothing!

But even James had to wait for Isaac's approval to destroy him!

"Mr. Jefferson.” Tobey quickly tried to salvage the situation. "Iunderstand that I've made a mistake. I'll definitely make it up to you-""Make it up to him?" Stephen cut him short right then. "How?! We'refacing a crisis because of you! Do you think a few nice words will getyou off the hook?!"

His rage was as terrible as Isaac's, and he was certainly convinced thatIsaac would not be merciful to a man as short-sighted and as greedy asTobey. If he ever became director, Hotmesh Research would fall apartunder his leadership!

While Isaac had no time to keep listening to their argument, Stephenwas right about one thing-he was not going to let Tobey becomedirector.

"James, set up a meeting with Hotmesh's director,” Isaac said andstrode out of the room.

He then paused at the doorway, turned around, and looked betweenStephen and Tobey. Stephen promptly made his standpoint clear,saying," I'm culpable for this mess too, but I'll willingly take anypunishment coming. V/

He actually felt guilty toward Irene for putting her in harm's way.

If Isaac wanted his head, it was his just deserts.

He could not help shooting Tobey a glare just then, knowing that it wasall because of him.

Stephen's attitude was the right one, and since he did not mean it,Isaac forgave him despite his dissatisfaction.

Tobey, however, was still trying to weasel his way out of trouble. “I canmake up for this some other way! Please-"

"You?" Isaac scoffed. "Make up for this?"

Tobey panicked. “Look, I know I made a mistake, but please just look over this one time-"Isaac's lips curled into a cold, dark grin. "If 1 spared you, Id be doing a disservice to everyother person who has what it takes to become director, and the research data Irene riskedherself to bring here, don't you think?"

LF

Tobey was stil trying to speak up, but Stephen could not bear to listen to another word.

He stepped up, clasping a hand over Tobey's mouth. “Just shut up, hypocrite-stop wastingIsaac's time. Know this-you're never going to become a director for the rest of your life. Evenif Isaac won't talk to your director, I'l make your scandal known to the whole world."