The Wrong Woman

Imogen kept her focus on Mila as she spoke, quietly impressed to see that not all chemists fit the stereotypical image of being bald. Some were mature, attractive, and charming women like Mila.

"Later, more discrepancies emerged in the subsequent data. We had hoped our colleague would publicly rectify and address the flaws, but he struggled to manage it.

"Upon further questioning, he eventually confessed that the earlier data had been patched up by a part-time worker named Imogen Kingsley," Mila clarified.

Imogen nervously addressed Mila, Terry, and the senior officials from the space agency. "I understand I made a mistake. Please, don't report me! I'll return the money. I'm ready to draft a statement or sign an agreement-whatever is necessary. I promise to keep all previous data confidential!"

"You've misunderstood, Imogen. We're not looking to send you to prison. We simply need your help in identifying the issue with this data," Mila said calmly.

Imogen was stunned, glancing first at Mila and then around at the others.

Terry pulled out a chair. "Please, have a seat."

Bewildered, Imogen stared incredulously at the large screen in front of her. With everyone's attention on her, she nervously took a seat, grabbed the mouse, and began carefully scrutinizing the data. While Imogen hadn't attended Aerospace Academy, her passion for the field never faltered. She had always studied diligently.

composure, pointing at the data

inspect. It seemed to be a small glitch in a rather unassuming line of code. While they identified the issue, fixing the bug proved to be the

toward Imogen, her tone gentle as she

"Sure." Imogen nodded.

spread across Mila's

Mila's kindness, Imogen promptly replied, "It's my

Jasper hurried over and took hold of her arm, his face etched with worry. He was out of breath, scanning her anxiously for any signs of

Imogen relaxed upon recognizing

were they looking for you?" Jasper

small step back, her tone slightly distant. "They needed my help with some data revisions." Jasper's hand hovered briefly in the air before he resignedly lowered it. "They didn't give you

"No, the professors are all

toward his car parked behind me. "Let me give you a

at his luxury car, then shook her head. Her reluctance showed as she responded softly, "No, thank you. I'll take the subway." Jasper's expression dimmed with a touch of disappointment. He asked quietly, "You don't even want to ride

pondering for a moment. "I think it's better if we keep some distance. I'll arrange to move out of