Chapter 4She Saved a Stray Dog With the Antivenom

It wasn't until I was sitting in the interrogation room that I finally processed everything.

Martha had always treated me well. When my own parents were hospitalized from a bad accident, she drained her retirement fund just to help me cover their medical bills. Every holiday, there was always a plate of sweet and sour ribs on the table, just because she knew it was my favorite.

In the past, Stella used to mock me for it, saying a grown man shouldn't have a sweet tooth. But Martha never cared. She always defended me to Stella. "Arthur works hard for this family. I'm just glad he likes my cooking."

And now, after her tragic death, she was being used as a pawn in a sick game, and I was forced to watch the mastermind gloat.

After I gave my statement and the police verified the actual timeline of events, they realized the assault was a minor domestic dispute and the espionage claim was baseless. I was released without charges.

As I walked out, my phone buzzed with a text from Stella.

For the sake of our past, I'll drop the assault charges. But the condition is that you must publicly apologize to Felix. Otherwise, once the allegations of you trying to steal state research go public, your entire career is over.

Seeing how blissfully unaware of her own impending doom she was, I typed out a quick reply.

I agree.

Stella thought I was terrified. She happily called me, demanding I take a cab straight to the university campus. I was to apologize in front of the entire university board for my behavior.

On the ride over, I called the funeral home.

"Please transport Ms. Martha's casket to Oakbridge University right now." "I sent you her daughter's phone number earlier. When you arrive, just call her to accept the delivery."

The director readily agreed. I hung up the phone and pushed open the door of the cab.

Stella was already waiting for me with the university board and a swarm of local media reporters in tow.

"I invited everyone here today primarily to clarify a few things," she announced, her voice steady and professional. She didn't even glance in my direction.

"As many of you know, Arthur and I were married for three years. But we legally divorced six months ago. Despite that, for the past half-year, he has continued to harass me. He aggressively tried to force his way between me and my new husband, Felix."

"Out of respect for our past, I tolerated his behavior. But I never imagined that because he couldn't have me, he would try to destroy me. He lied about my mother being bitten by a snake, trying to trick me into abandoning the institute's serum."

"Arthur caused this disaster, and he should take full responsibility for it."

The crowd erupted. The reporters sighed in sympathy for Stella's "endurance" and turned their cameras toward me, openly spitting insults.

Amidst the flashing cameras, Felix stepped forward.

"Arthur, Stella and I are willing to let the past go. But to try and steal classified research for your own profit is unacceptable." "Since everyone is here today, give a proper apology. You owe it to all the researchers who worked on that project." "Get on your knees. Show some actual sincerity."

I curled my lips into an icy smile.

"I can apologize. Forget kneeling, I'll even bow my head to the floor." "But before I do that, I have a few things to say as well."

I pulled out my phone and played the audio clips of Felix's provocations, swiping through the screenshots of his obnoxious social media posts.

"You claim I have no shame and that I interfered in your marriage. But for the past six months, I am the one who has been constantly harassed." "And I never lied about today. I can prove it to you right now."

Without missing a beat, I dialed Martha's phone number in front of the dozens of rolling cameras.

A second later, a loud ringing sound vibrated from Felix's coat pocket.

He panicked, frantically pressing his hand against his pocket to muffle the sound, but it was useless.

Stella rushed over and ripped the phone out of his coat. "Why do you have my mother's phone?"

Felix stuttered, completely unable to form a coherent sentence.

Right at that exact moment, Stella's own phone began to ring.

A gruff voice echoed over the murmur of the confused crowd. "Which one of you is Ms. Stella? We need a signature for the delivery of your mother's body."