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My Ex’s Brother Wants Me - watch drama englishsub 💗🔥
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00:00Next afternoon, Noah strolled into the dingy campus coffee shop where I worked my double shifts.
00:05Look, I didn't think you'd take it so personally. You're not actually mad, right?
00:11You don't care about me at all, do you?
00:13It was a party dare, Ashley. Don't be so dramatic.
00:19My hands shook as I unlocked my phone.
00:22Your brother wants me, Noah! He's coming after your girlfriend!
00:27You? God, Ashley, don't flatter yourself.
00:30Every billionaire heiress in Manhattan has thrown themselves at Lucien, and he hasn't blinked.
00:37You think my brother is losing sleep over a girl who wears oversized hoodies and cracked glasses?
00:43Is that what I am to you?
00:47A joke?
00:49Look, I'm a blackthone. You're a charity-called student working for tips.
00:56If it weren't for me rescuing you from the freshman year.
01:00I'm on the clock! Get the hell out of my cafe!
01:03Noah sneered, turning around and walking out.
01:07He was the golden boy at university.
01:09Football captain, national champion,
01:12the boy who walked up to my quiet corner in the library three years ago.
01:16The golden boy and the nerd, the campus blogs called us.
01:21Hey, Ashley. Someone ordered this for you. Curbside pickup.
01:25I frowned, looking at the cup.
01:27Written in elegant, sharp sharpie was a single sentence.
01:31You skipped lunch again?
01:32My breath hitched.
01:34Across the busy street, a sleek, black Bentley sat idling in the rain.
01:40Behind the tinted window, the silhouette of a man was watching me.
01:44The walk to the restroom the next day felt like walking the green mile.
01:49The campus blogs had already posted photos of Noah, but he wasn't alone.
01:54Did you see Noah with Charlotte at the luxury boutique downtown?
01:57Charlotte is opening the gala dance with him this year.
02:00The scholarship nerd is about to get dumped.
02:03Whispers followed me like flies.
02:05I pushed the doors.
02:09Noah and Charlotte were on the leather sofa.
02:12Charlotte, a billionaire hotel heiress, was melted into his lap.
02:17If I go to the gala with you, won't Ashley be mad?
02:21Noah scoffed.
02:23Ashley?
02:24She doesn't even own a dress that costs more than 50 bucks.
02:28Trust me, babe.
02:29You're psycho hot in that designer gown.
02:32Charlotte looked up, spotting me standing in the doorway.
02:37I'd rather take it off just for you.
02:42Man, three years?
02:44That dare got way out of hand.
02:46Shut up!
02:48Oh, Ashley!
02:50You're here!
02:51Charlotte fake gasped.
02:53Noah just helped me pick a dress.
02:56For the gala, your scholarship probably doesn't cover.
03:01I walked straight up to him.
03:06We need to talk.
03:08Noah flinched, clearing his throat as he pushed Charlotte slightly off his lap.
03:15Look, Ashley, I asked you to go, but you said you had to work shifts.
03:19He didn't know.
03:20The scholarship covered my tuition, but I had been working 30 hours a week to surprise him
03:26to buy an expensive gown.
03:30I turned around without saying another word.
03:34When I got back to my dorm, I took the gown, shoved it into the darkest corner of my wardrobe.
03:41My phone finally buzzed.
03:45Noah?
03:46Yeah, hey.
03:47Something came up.
03:49Laughter echoed.
03:50Charlotte's laughter.
03:52She had some emergency with her cat or whatever.
03:56You're not mad, right?
03:59I'd been waiting three hours.
04:01Something inside me finally snapped.
04:05You know what?
04:07What?
04:10We're done.
04:12I hung up, blocked him, then ordered whiskey.
04:15And another.
04:17And another.
04:18By the time I stepped out into the freezing Manhattan night, my vision blurred around the
04:23edges.
04:24I cut through an alley to get back to campus.
04:27Bad idea.
04:28Hey, sweetheart.
04:29Three men staggered out of the dark.
04:31Pretty little thing.
04:34Don't be scared.
04:36I backed away fast.
04:37A hand grabbed my wrist.
04:39I screamed.
04:40My phone slipped from my fingers and smashed against the pavement.
04:44The screen cracked.
04:45But the call had already gone through.
04:47To the last person in my contacts.
04:49Help me.
04:49There are three of them.
04:51I'm nearby.
04:52Stay where you are.
04:54Protect yourself.
05:01No!
05:02Get away from me!
05:17Shut!
05:18Who the hell are you?
05:23You should be asking.
05:26Who's stupid enough to touch what belongs to me?
05:30And that's when I realized something horrifying.
05:32The person I called for help was my ex-boyfriend's brother.
05:36Break his hand.
05:38Two men in black suits appeared behind him like ghosts.
05:41The next sound was screaming.
05:44One of the drunk guys dropped to his knees, clutching his arm.
05:47Lucian didn't even look at them again.
05:49His attention was entirely on me.
05:52My torn dress.
05:53My shaking hands.
05:55My broken heel.
05:57Get in the car.
05:59One arm under my knees, the other around my waist.
06:01The heat rushed through me.
06:03Lucian draped his suit jacket over my shoulders.
06:13Seatbelt.
06:14I looked down at my shaking fingers.
06:17Missed the buckle twice.
06:18Lucian leaned over.
06:20His hand brushed my thigh as he clicked the seatbelt into place.
06:23You called me.
06:24Not Noah.
06:26Me.
06:27I turned my face toward the window.
06:32It was an accident.
06:35Is that what you want to believe?
06:37I swallowed hard.
06:39Why didn't you call him back?
06:40What?
06:41Your boyfriend.
06:44Why did you stop trusting him first?
06:46Noah stopped making me feel safe a long time ago.
06:49I didn't say anything the rest of the drive.
06:52When we reached my dorm building, I shoved the door open too fast.
06:55I stepped out wearing Lucian's jacket over my ripped dress.
06:59Ashley?
07:00You left with my brother?
07:03Were you with him all night?
07:05Students froze mid-step.
07:07Everyone on campus knew that car.
07:09No freaking way.
07:11That's Lucian Blackthrone's Bente.
07:13I heard he doesn't even let people touch his stuff.
07:16And he drove a girl home?
07:17I stepped out, clutching Lucian's suit jacket around my body.
07:20Then, Noah, standing 20 feet away.
07:25Ashley?
07:26His expression shattered the moment he saw me wearing Lucian's jacket.
07:30Why the hell were you in my brother's car?
07:32His eyes dragged over my ripped dress.
07:34You were with him all night?
07:36I didn't even look at him.
07:38We broke up, remember?
07:40Noah stared at me like I'd slapped him.
07:43You're serious?
07:44You vanished with another guy because I missed dinner?
07:47A sharp laugh cut through the crowd.
07:48Charlotte stepped forward, arms crossed.
07:51Looks like Little Miss Scholarship finally found herself a billionaire.
07:54Spent the night with your ex's brother and came back wearing his clothes?
07:58She smirked.
07:58Honestly?
07:59That's kind of impressive.
08:01Noah grabbed my wrist.
08:03Explain.
08:04Now.
08:04I almost laughed.
08:05Explain?
08:06He spent the night at Charlotte's apartment.
08:08And somehow I was the one on trial?
08:10The Bentley door opened again.
08:11Every single person went quiet.
08:13Lucian stepped out slowly.
08:15He said coldly.
08:15A Blackthorn embarrassment.
08:17Noah clenched his jaw.
08:18Lucian, stay out of this.
08:20Lucian ignored him.
08:21Instead, his gaze landed on Charlotte.
08:23You seem very interested in who Ashley spends the night with.
08:27We had a lovely evening.
08:29The lecture hall was packed before class even started.
08:32No way the CEO of Blackthorn Capital is teaching here.
08:35I heard he joined the board at 24.
08:37He is even hotter in person.
08:39Girls around me were fixing their makeup like it was a casting call.
08:42I sank lower into my seat and pulled my baseball cap down.
08:46Since last night, the entire campus had been talking about one thing.
08:51Lucian Blackthorn drove me home.
08:54Photos of me getting out of his Bentley were all over the school forum.
08:58People kept sneaking pictures of me in class.
09:01Whispering.
09:02Laughing.
09:03The rumors got worse every hour.
09:05I cheated on Noah.
09:07I seduced his brother.
09:09Both Blackthorn brothers were sleeping with me.
09:12The lecture hall went silent.
09:14Dress shoes echoed against the wooden floor.
09:17Lucian.
09:18Black shirt, silver glasses.
09:20Gray-blue eyes locked directly onto mine.
09:23Lucian walked to the front of the lecture hall.
09:26Lucian Blackthrown.
09:27From today forward, I'll be teaching corporate power and behavioral finance.
09:33Noah sat in the front row, looking absolutely furious.
09:37Lucian opened the attendance list.
09:39A smile touched his mouth.
09:41Ashley Carter.
09:42Hundreds of heads turned toward me instantly.
09:45I swallowed hard.
09:47Here.
09:49Nice seeing you again.
09:51The lecture hall exploded.
09:53Did he just smile at her?
09:55Noah looks homicidal.
09:58Noah looks homicidal.
10:08His eyes swept across the room.
10:11What is power?
10:12Silence.
10:14Money?
10:15Status?
10:16Family name?
10:17Still quiet.
10:19Then his gaze landed on me.
10:21Ashley.
10:22Tell me.
10:24I frowned slightly.
10:25Power is control.
10:27Lucian tilted his head.
10:28Go on.
10:29I closed my laptop slowly.
10:30Real power isn't forcing people to obey you.
10:33I looked directly at him.
10:35It's making people depend on you, even when they're afraid of you.
10:40The room went dead silent.
10:43Lucian stared at me for a long moment, then smiled.
10:47Excellent.
10:49After that, he only called on me, and somehow I answered all of them.
10:53Most people memorize numbers, Lucian said.
10:56You understand power.
10:57Charlotte's expression darkened instantly.
10:59She raised her hand sweetly.
11:01Professor Blackthone?
11:03Lucian barely looked at her.
11:04Charlotte smiled innocently.
11:06Is it true some scholarship students receive special treatment?
11:10Noah smirked like he was waiting for Lucian to deny it.
11:14Yes.
11:15Ashley does.
11:17He looked completely serious.
11:19Like publicly favoring me didn't bother him at all.
11:23Maybe because he wanted everyone to know.
11:26Whispers started immediately.
11:28My face burned.
11:29Lucian turned on the projector.
11:31The screen lit up.
11:32My paper appeared across the giant display.
11:36Ashley Carter.
11:37Lucian glanced at the class.
11:39A plus.
11:40Highest score in this course.
11:42Charlotte's smile vanished instantly.
11:45If anyone here can outperform her.
11:47His gaze swept across the room.
11:49I'll gladly offer the same treatment.
11:52Nobody spoke.
11:53Because nobody could.
11:55Charlotte's face turned red.
11:56Then pale.
11:57And suddenly, for the first time since I came to this school, I felt seen.
12:02Not mocked.
12:03Not pitied.
12:04Seen.
12:04The bell rang.
12:06Everyone practically ran for the exit.
12:08I grabbed my books and stood up fast.
12:11Ashley.
12:11Lucian's voice stopped me.
12:14Stay after class.
12:15Noah shot to his feet instantly.
12:17What do you want from her?
12:19Lucian finally looked at his brother.
12:21Sit down, Noah.
12:23I swallowed hard.
12:24Why am I staying?
12:26Lucian removed his glasses slowly.
12:28Then looked directly at me.
12:31He opened my paper again.
12:35You're actually worth talking to.
12:37My heartbeat stumbled.
12:38I turned immediately to leave.
12:40The second I walked past the podium, Lucian caught my wrist.
12:44You should have killed them.
12:45Lucian's eyes lingered on the bruises around my wrist.
12:48I pulled my hand away immediately and walked out of the lecture hall.
12:52Behind me, his voice followed.
12:54Tonight.
12:55Eight o'clock.
12:57Blackthorn Tower.
12:58That made me stop.
13:00The math competition shortlist came out this morning.
13:03You'll need private coaching.
13:04That night, I stood outside Blackthorn Tower holding my notes against my chest.
13:08My phone screen was still open to Lucian's last message.
13:11Text me when you arrive.
13:13Before I could reply, laughter drifted down from the second floor lounge.
13:18The door upstairs wasn't fully closed.
13:21Three years, Noah.
13:22That's actually insane.
13:23Noah lounged on the couch with a whiskey glass.
13:25His football teammates were laughing around him.
13:27Seriously, man.
13:29I still can't believe you actually dated that girl.
13:32The finance nerd?
13:33Another guy snorted.
13:34Wasn't it supposed to be a one-month bet?
13:36My blood went cold.
13:38Noah lowered his head and laughed quietly.
13:40Yeah, well, she took it seriously.
13:42Bro, remember what you said?
13:44If you could get the scholarship girl to fall for you in under a month, we'd all pay up.
13:49And then somehow you dragged it out for three damn years.
13:51Honestly, you almost had us believing you liked her.
13:54The folder slipped in my hands.
13:56Three years ago, Noah Blackthorn walked toward me, smiled.
14:00Can I take you out sometime?
14:02I thought I meant something.
14:03Turns out, I was just a bet.
14:06Just entertainment for rich boys with boring lives.
14:09Still, your brother's acting weird.
14:12The room quieted slightly.
14:14I've never seen Lucio drive a woman home himself.
14:17Lucian?
14:17Noah leaned back lazily.
14:19Then he smirked.
14:20Please.
14:21He just thinks she's interesting for now.
14:24Something inside me shattered completely.
14:26Every late night shift.
14:28Every birthday gift I saved months to buy.
14:31Every time I cried and Noah rolled his eyes saying,
14:34Can you stop being so sensitive?
14:36Now I understand why.
14:37Because to him, I was never his girlfriend.
14:39Just proof he won a game.
14:41Tears finally hit my cheeks.
14:42But this time, I wiped them away instantly.
14:45I wasted three years crying over trash?
14:47My phone buzzed suddenly.
14:49Lucian, it's cold outside.
14:51Did you make it in?
14:52The only person worrying whether I was cold was Lucian.
14:55Before I could think twice, I shoved the lounge door open.
14:59Keep going.
15:00The laughter died instantly.
15:02Every face turned white.
15:03Noah shot to his feet.
15:05Ashley.
15:07And threw it directly in his face.
15:10The entire room froze.
15:12Whiskey dripped from Noah's jaw slowly.
15:15His expression cracked.
15:16I smiled coldly.
15:18Congratulations, Noah.
15:20You won the bet.
15:22I stepped back.
15:23Too bad.
15:27Then I looked past him.
15:29Straight toward the hallway behind him.
15:32Because I have a new boyfriend now.
15:33Absolute silence.
15:35Lucian Blackthorne stood in the doorway.
15:37Noah looked completely stunned.
15:39And before anyone could speak again, I walked to Lucian, grabbed his hand, and left with him.
15:47The second we entered Lucian's office, I let go of his hand.
15:51Thanks for helping me back there.
15:53I forced out a breath.
15:54But, you know, I didn't mean it, right?
15:56Lucian loosened his tie slowly.
15:58Then smiled.
15:59A fake boyfriend is still better than being hated by you.
16:02My heartbeat stumbled.
16:04Noah's a child.
16:05He said.
16:06He never deserved you.
16:08Next time you need someone.
16:10His voice dropped lower.
16:12Call me first.
16:13Before I could answer, Lucian slid a cup across the desk.
16:17Hot chocolate.
16:18I blinked.
16:19I didn't order this.
16:21I know.
16:22I looked up slowly.
16:24You have low blood sugar.
16:26I froze.
16:27How do you know that?
16:29Lucian paused while flipping through documents.
16:32You fanted in the library's sophomore year.
16:34My chest tightened.
16:36The campus doctor mentioned it.
16:38Even Noah forgot that.
16:39Lucian remembered.
16:40He tapped the file in front of me.
16:42Analyze page one.
16:43I forced myself to focus.
16:48These are real acquisition files.
16:50I flipped another page faster.
16:52Lucian, this is confidential.
16:54Blackthorne Capital data.
16:56Why are you showing this to Judit?
16:58I'm Ishitu as stepping down it.
17:01Lucian leaned back in his chair calmly.
17:04Other students?
17:05His eyes met mine.
17:07No.
17:09Then...
17:10You can handle it.
17:11I lowered my head quickly and flipped through the files, pretending to focus.
17:15Lucian watched me for a moment, then said quietly.
17:18You're avoiding me?
17:20I'm not.
17:22Really?
17:22He stood up.
17:24Then walked toward me.
17:25I could feel the warmth of his body behind me.
17:28Lucian leaned down beside my chair.
17:30One hand braced against the desk.
17:33His finger pointed lightly at a line in the report near my shoulder.
17:36Here.
17:38Your analysis is wrong.
17:40Every muscle in my body locked instantly.
17:42Lucian, can you back up a little?
17:44You should stop looking at me like that.
17:46I swallowed hard.
17:49Like what?
17:50His gray-blue eyes locked onto mine.
17:53Like you're about to make a bad decision.
17:56Suddenly, I was thinking about that kiss again.
17:59His hands.
18:01His mouth.
18:02The way he lost control for five straight minutes.
18:05Lucian's gaze dropped briefly to my lips.
18:07And for one second, I thought he was going to kiss me.
18:11Then, the office door slammed open.
18:14Lucian!
18:15Noah stood there, breathing hard, furious.
18:17And the first thing he saw was Lucian leaning over me with one arm around my chair.
18:22What the hell are you two doing?
18:23Like he was holding me.
18:30So this is your private tutoring?
18:32A professor hooking up with his student after hours?
18:35Jealousy practically dripped from every word.
18:38Lucian straightened slowly.
18:41Knock before entering.
18:43Noah clenched his fists.
18:44Lucian didn't even look at him again.
18:46Instead, he closed the file in front of me gently.
18:49Class dismissed, Ashley.
18:52Then he added.
18:53Black Throne Capital's doors are open to you.
18:56I froze.
18:57I had never told anyone my career goals.
19:01Not even Noah.
19:02Yet somehow, Lucian knew.
19:04Noah let out a sharp laugh.
19:06Ashley, when did you start dreaming this big?
19:09Black Throne only hires Ivy League and MBAs and billionaire heirs.
19:14You're a scholarship student.
19:16You really think you belong there?
19:18The words hit exactly where they were supposed to.
19:21Because that fear had always lived inside me.
19:25Noah stepped closer.
19:27Don't let my brother fool you.
19:29He just likes playing with new toys.
19:31You know what people are saying about you outside?
19:33He smirked cruelly.
19:34They think you're climbing all over Lucian because you know I dumped you.
19:39Lucian finally looked up.
19:42Do you know the difference between you and Ashley?
19:45You inherited power.
19:47Then he looked directly at me.
19:49She understands it.
19:50Noah's expression changed instantly.
19:52That night, lying in bed, I couldn't stop replaying the way Lucian looked at me.
19:58We'd known each other less than ten days.
20:00And somehow, he understood me better than the man I loved for three years ever did.
20:07Annual University Gala looked like something out of old money heaven.
20:11Crystal chandeliers.
20:13Champagne towers.
20:14Trust fund heirs pretending they earned their last names.
20:17I stepped into the ballroom, wearing the dress I spent three months saving for.
20:21Wait, that's Ashley?
20:25Holy hell.
20:27She's gorgeous.
20:29Noah looked completely stunned.
20:32Bro, your ex cleaned up nice.
20:35If she doesn't have a date, I might steal her.
20:39I do have one.
20:41Noah.
20:42Charlotte cut me off before I could finish.
20:45She slipped her arm through his.
20:47You're not actually jealous, are you?
20:49Laughter rippled through the crowd.
20:50Noah stayed quiet for two seconds, then laughed too.
20:56Jealous?
20:58Of her?
20:59His eyes dragged slowly over my body.
21:02Please.
21:04I know exactly what she looks like in the morning.
21:06More laughter.
21:07Someone added,
21:08Careful, Noah.
21:10Careful, Noah.
21:11Gold diggers don't let go easily.
21:13Charlotte stepped closer to me.
21:15Her smile widened.
21:17Tell me something, Ashley.
21:20How many Blackthroat brothers are you sleeping with now?
21:23She looked me up and down mockingly.
21:26You really thought a pretty dress would hide the fact nobody invited you?
21:30I lifted my chin.
21:32I was invited.
21:34I was invited.
21:36Invited?
21:37By who?
21:38Some 50-year-old hedge fund manager?
21:42Go ahead.
21:43Say his name.
21:44I didn't answer immediately.
21:45Charlotte smiled wider.
21:47Then she turned toward the host.
21:49Wait.
21:51Doesn't the gala have a partner registration list?
21:54The host blinked nervously.
21:57Maybe we should check?
21:59Charlotte tilted her head innocently.
22:01Just to make sure random girls aren't sneaking in?
22:04The host hesitated before pulling up the guest list on his tablet.
22:08The ballroom fell silent.
22:10I scanned the crowd instinctively.
22:12Still no sign of Lucien.
22:14The host cleared his throat.
22:16Ashley Carter.
22:18Registered under Lucien Black Kidone.
22:19Noah's face changed instantly.
22:22Charlotte froze for half a second before forcing out another smile.
22:26Then she walked directly toward the dean.
22:28And suddenly, the massive ballroom screen lit up.
22:32Everyone turned.
22:33Then gasped.
22:35Photos flooded the screen.
22:36Me stepping out of Lucien's Bentley late at night.
22:39Me leaving Blackthorn Tower.
22:41Blurry paparazzi-style shots cropped to look intimate.
22:45Even photos of me working my cafe job.
22:47The ballroom exploded instantly.
22:50No wonder she got special treatment.
22:53She literally slept her way into the competition.
22:56That's disgusting.
22:57Charlotte stood beside the dean.
22:59Professor Blackthrone gave her private lessons.
23:03Private meetings.
23:05Private nights.
23:06People started whispering louder.
23:09Phones came out.
23:11Someone laughed.
23:14Scholarship slut.
23:16We also discovered that parts of Ashley Carter's thesis may have been plagiarized.
23:24What?
23:26That's a lie!
23:27I stepped forward furiously.
23:29This is defamination!
23:32Charlotte crossed her arms calmly.
23:35Then prove it.
23:37Snapped and took my phone.
23:38I have recordings.
23:39I can take all of this to court.
23:41The dean looked uncomfortable.
23:43Just yesterday, he'd praised my grades in front of faculty.
23:46Now he wouldn't even meet my eyes.
23:48Ashley, I'm truly sorry.
23:50You need to understand how this looks.
23:54For the reputation of the university, until the investigation concludes, your scholarship
23:59and competition placement will be suspended.
24:02The ballroom erupted instantly.
24:04I knew it.
24:06She's a fraud.
24:07So that's how she got ahead.
24:10My body suddenly felt exhausted.
24:12Not sad.
24:13Not angry.
24:15Just tired.
24:16Tired of rich people turning lives into games.
24:19Tired of being humiliated publicly, while everyone watched for entertainment.
24:25Then Noah appeared beside me.
24:27Beg me.
24:28I looked at him.
24:31One word, and I'll make all of this disappear.
24:34My stomach turned.
24:37You knew?
24:38Noah stayed silent.
24:40Then...
24:41You should have stayed with me.
24:43I looked around the ballroom.
24:46And loneliness hit me all at once.
24:48Because no matter how hard I worked, I was always standing here, alone.
24:54Then...
24:55The ballroom doors opened.
24:59Lucian Blackthorn had arrived.
25:01The dean rushed toward him immediately.
25:04Lucian ignored everyone.
25:05He walked straight toward me,
25:07then wrapped one arm around my waist possessively.
25:11The dean forced out a nervous laugh.
25:13Mr. Blackfield, we were just...
25:15handling a situation.
25:17Handling what?
25:19My guest being publicly humiliated?
25:22Then Lucian looked down at me.
25:23You came because I invited you.
25:26Sorry I'm late.
25:27Busy with a minor issue.
25:28Charlotte's perfect expression finally cracked.
25:31Lucian turned toward her slowly.
25:33Miss Charlotte...
25:36Do you know how easily I could destroy your father's company?
25:40Charlotte stopped breathing.
25:42Lucian raised one hand slightly.
25:44Immediately, security teams rolled equipment into the ballroom.
25:48Cameras.
25:48Lighting mics.
25:50Livestream monitors.
25:51The dean panicked.
25:52Lucian, there's no reason to escalate this.
25:54No.
25:56Now there is.
25:59Livestream started instantly.
26:02Viewer numbers exploded across the screen.
26:04Comments flooded faster than anyone could read.
26:07Blackthorn is streaming?
26:08What is happening?
26:10Who is the girl?
26:11Lucian stood calmly in the center of the ballroom.
26:15Charlotte Sinclair accused Ashley Carter of plagiarism.
26:18His voice echoed through the silent hall.
26:20That accusation could permanently destroy her academic career.
26:24Then he looked up.
26:25So let's discuss evidence.
26:28Lucian lifted a hand.
26:29The screen changed immediately.
26:31Folders appeared.
26:32Research timestamps.
26:34Draft versions.
26:35Six months of revisions.
26:37Data models.
26:38Handwritten annotations.
26:40Every stage of my thesis development breathed hot.
26:43How did he even have all this?
26:44We barely knew each other when I wrote it.
26:46The scientists and scholars who received the Breakthrough Prize,
26:50Ashley Carter,
26:51has over six months of documented research history.
26:54Charlotte's face started turning white.
26:57Lucian continued.
26:58Now let's compare that to Charlotte Sinclair's submission.
27:00The screen switched again.
27:02Entire paragraphs lit up red.
27:04Copy-pasted sections.
27:05Matching citations.
27:07Side-by-side comparisons from my thesis.
27:10Charlotte stumbled backward.
27:12That's impossible!
27:16Actually, it's very possible.
27:19Especially when the anonymous Clarissim report your agent...
27:23He glanced toward her.
27:26I'm Sinclair, how does this be quite a bit?
27:29Complete silence.
27:31Bill Gates.
27:32No!
27:33No!
27:34No!
27:34No!
27:35No!
27:35No!
27:37No!
27:38No!
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