Once I got home, I unpacked everything I had brought from school, ensuring nothing was left behind. Fearing that my phone could be monitored, I went to a phone store and purchased a new one, along with anti-surveillance software. I also invested in a brand-new electronic scanner.
Before entering the lab, I would lock my phone in a safe and scan every single item I brought with me, ensuring no room for any suspicious activity. This time, I would leave no trace of my work vulnerable to sabotage.
I focused intensely on the experiment, not allowing myself even a moment’s break. After obtaining the first key data, I decided to step outside the lab for a quick breather. As soon as I was outside, I pulled out my phone and checked Felicity’s social media.
She had just posted an update from her graduation trip, casually sharing photos of her scenic route. Someone had commented, asking if she wasn’t worried about finishing her thesis.
Her reply struck me like a lightning bolt: “I completed my experiment last night and got the first key data.”