This contaminant was completely undetectable during routine checks.
It would only fully activate during the final synthesis reaction, causing the entire experiment to fail at the last hurdle.
What a vicious move.
This wasn't just about destroying her experimental results.
It was about destroying the reputation she had worked so hard to build at the institute.
Everyone would assume she wasn't skilled enough, that her proposal was flawed.
Who would ever suspect that someone had delivered such a venomous stab in the back?
"Ms. Hart, what's the verdict?"
Her colleagues gathered around, looking at her with anticipation.
Grace slowly lifted her head, meeting their worried and suspicious gazes.
She didn't mention that the samples had been contaminated.
Without proof, saying anything would just be seen as an excuse to shift the blame.
She simply spoke in a calm voice.
"It was my oversight."
"Everyone, go home and get some rest. Give me three days. I'll solve it."
Her colleagues exchanged uncertain glances before quietly dispersing.
But their retreating figures were filled with disappointment and distrust.
Soon, Grace was the only one left in the vast laboratory.
She stood before the cold equipment, her hands and feet like ice.
It was this feeling again.
Isolated by the whole world, besieged on all sides.
But this time, she wasn't afraid.
She took out her phone, but she didn't call Damien.
Instead, she dialed the institute's security department directly.
"Hello, this is Grace from the Galaxy Project team."
"I need to review all the security footage from the entrance of Lab Three and the sample storage room for the past three days."
"Immediately."

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