Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



Maggie was flabbergasted, "We were all there, not like the place was empty. The equipment wasn't in use just for a bit and went into standby mode. We were gonna use it again soon. Who in their right mind would just turn it off?"

Deep down, Roseanne had a hunch, but she needed more proof.

"Come on, let's check out the lab across the hall."

Maggie was puzzled, "Why? That's a different department's lab. What's that got to do with us?"

Scales, sensing something was off, quickly followed, "Just go, will ya? Stop asking so many questions."

Maggie mumbled under her breath, "Wow, someone's feeling brave!"

The trio made their way to the opposite lab, and sure enough, a full set of fire safety equipment was now installed in the corner.

"This..." Maggie was speechless, "This wasn't here last month!"

They inspected a few more labs and, without exception, all the previously missing or incomplete safety equipment was now fully stocked. Maggie felt a chill down her spine, "Is... is someone targeting us?"

Every lab in the department had their fire safety equipment updated except for theirs. Until now, Maggie had thought it was just bad luck.

A random inspection landing on them, catching them at their worst...

She never considered someone might be deliberately setting them up.

With a snort, Roseanne led them straight to the vice dean's office.

Babur White recognized the trio immediately as the new master's students recruited by Madeleine this year.

Especially Roseanne, the first newbie this year to land a publication in "Science," a moment that had left a lasting impression during the department meeting.

"Miss Cole, what can I do for you?" Babur greeted with a smile, recalling the recent admonishments from Corley and Owen Reynolds.

"Director White, our lab's been ordered to make corrections. Are you aware of that?"

Babur nodded, "I've heard. Is there a problem?"

"The problem is, why do all the other

labs have complete fire safety equipment, but ours is missing pieces? And, I heard the fire inspection was supposed to

random. How come itel

swnevel

Babur's brows furrowed, "What are you implying?"

on us?"© NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

Roseanne spoke up, "The department should have safety standards to meet, right? If a lab has issues, the department shares the responsibility. You're smart enough not to shoot yourself in the foot, but that doesn't mean someone isn't setting traps."

"If things go south, it won't just be us falling into the trap. You won't escape unscathed either."

"Miss Cole, what are you suggesting?" Babur looked at her, eyes wide with suspicion.

"If I were you, I'd check if these 'coincidences' are truly just that, or someone's playing a game."

With that, she left with Maggie and Scales.

Babur sat still, lost in thought.

After a while, he picked up his phone and dialed a number:

"Come to my office... Yes, right now!"

"Roseanne, what did you mean by all that? I'm still kinda lost here."

Scales couldn't stand it anymore and

in in. "Why is the fire Why?" only focusing on usel

Maggie puzzled, "Why, indeed?"

"It's got to be someone's doing!"

"Tell me, did you report us?"

Babur stared at the woman in front of him, his expression cold as he interrogated her.