Chapter 467

William Lowell shook his head slowly.

"I'm not accusing you. I just need to confirm who had access to your fingerprints recently."

Sophia Laurent's pupils constricted sharply.

The realization hit him like a thunderbolt.

Someone had stolen his fingerprints to infiltrate the research facility.

The access card used was his spare—the one kept in his desk drawer.

Every detail sent chills down his spine.

His assistant interjected suddenly.

"Mr. Lowell, didn't you give your sister a tour of the facility last month?"

Emily Lowell's visit had left an impression on every researcher present.

"The woman on surveillance footage also had caramel-colored hair and a similar—"

"Enough!" William snapped.

The assistant recoiled under his glacial stare.

Richard Lowell noticed the tension immediately.

"Who did you bring into the facility?"

William's legs turned to jelly.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

He should have known.

That woman's mannerisms—they matched Emily perfectly.

And the only person who'd been near him frequently was Emily.

Sophia would never have had the opportunity to obtain his fingerprints.

This revelation froze the blood in his veins.

He had pointed fingers at Sophia with such conviction.

Now the evidence pointed elsewhere.

"Is it Sophia?" Richard pressed.

The conference room plunged into silence.

Dr. Preston Quincy opened his mouth to speak, but William cut in first.

"Father, please wait in my office. I'll handle this."

Richard studied his son for a long moment before turning away.

Victoria Lowell followed her husband in confusion.

William bowed deeply to Dr. Quincy.

"My apologies for my earlier rudeness."

"No matter." The scientist adjusted his glasses calmly.

"Data recovery takes time."

"How long?"

"Ms. Laurent has already made our position clear." Dr. Quincy's tone remained even but firm.

"Our research facility has no contractual ties with Lowell Enterprises."

He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"We're relocating. You may bill us for any outstanding facility fees."

"Absolutely not!" William slammed his palms on the table as he shot to his feet.