Chapter 757

Zoe Chamberlain had been waiting in the laboratory for quite some time.

The clock struck 9:15, but Vivian Laurent still hadn't arrived.

Annika Heilbronn's call came right on cue, informing Zoe that Vivian wouldn't be able to make it tonight.

To prevent this showdown, Annika had orchestrated a multi-car accident—three lives meant nothing more than stepping stones to her.

A faint smile played on Zoe's lips. Though unaware of the specifics, Vivian's absence suited her just fine.

She sat gracefully at the lab bench, fingertips lightly tapping the surface as time ticked by.

This livestreamed duel had been dubbed "Medical World's Real vs Fake Prodigy" by netizens, with viewership already surpassing ten million.

At 9:30, the laboratory doors remained firmly shut.

Researchers glanced repeatedly at their watches, whispering among themselves.

Online outrage exploded, all directed at Vivian.

"Can't keep up the act anymore? The impostor's finally exposed."

"I've been waiting for this showdown ever since she challenged Professor Chamberlain."

"Now she chickens out? What took her so long?"

"Academic frauds like her should be banned permanently. Disgusting."

Zoe skimmed the barrage of comments, a glint of triumph flashing in her eyes.

The hospital had called three times in succession, but no one picked up.

In the operating room, Vivian knelt in a pool of blood, hands pressing desperately against a patient's ruptured artery.

Amidst the heart monitor's shrill alarms, beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

"Dr. Laurent, your phone—"

"Not now!" she snapped without looking up.

Zoe checked her wristwatch. "Since everyone's so eager, we'll wait until ten."

The chat erupted instantly.

"Why bother? The outcome's obvious!"

"Unless she got in a car crash, this is pure cowardice!"

"That woman's been faking it all along. Professor Chamberlain's the real genius!"

Trending lists were instantly dominated:

#VivianLaurentChickensOut

#AcademicFraudExposed

#ZoeChamberlainTheRealDeal

Amplified by internet trolls, the entire web condemned Vivian while elevating Zoe to sainthood.