Chapter 1

Just after receiving the Research Award, gossip about me exploded on the Trending Topics.

Photos and videos of me in compromising situations with multiple people in the lab were everywhere, my face clearly visible.

In an instant, I went from a respected scientist to a public scandal.

I was at a loss and wanted to seek help from my fiancé. But I overheard them mocking:

"Now she's surrounded by people, and someone even volunteered saying they're really good at it."

"Everyone knows she's easy to approach! Just a little gesture, and she'll come over. As long as it's a guy, she'll agree!"

Ethan posted new videos and photos on some obscure website again.

"Who told her not to give her research results to Maeve? Doesn't she want fame? I'll make sure she gets her spotlight!"

Looking at Ethan's cold and disdainful face, I decided to terminate the pregnancy.

"Who has the latest video? Photos will do; a friend of mine wants to see!"

"Does anyone have her contact info to send over? Want to ask how much it costs to hang out, Dr. Nolan can reach out directly if he sees this!"

There was another update on Twitter.

"Who still remembers she was a researcher at the Sunrise Research Institute? I wouldn't dare use the cosmetics she developed! Boycott people without principles!"

You could tell this ID was Ethan's alternate account. His intentions were clear: to kick me out of the institute so Aurelia could take over my research.

The insults and accusations on Trending Topics didn't break me, but Ethan's attitude and expression made me feel like I was in an ice cave. Dragging my exhausted body, I took a cab to the hospital.

"You've already decided not to have this child, haven't you?"

I thought we would get married soon and welcome new life together. Now I realize I was a joke. With tears, I touched my belly, feeling a deep sorrow.

The doctor probably knew about the news online, looking at me with contempt, signed the paper, and told me to wait outside.

As soon as I left the consultation room, someone with ill intentions surrounded me and blocked my path.

"Dr. Nolan, what a coincidence. How much would it cost to have some fun with you? Name your price, we'll make sure you're satisfied!"

I was looking at the form in my hand and was caught off guard when they pushed me, causing my head to hit the wall hard.

I held my head, looking at the burly men surrounding me.

"I'm not that kind of person! The photos and videos online are fake, it's not me!"

However, the person in front of me sneered, not believing a word I said, reaching for my shoulder.

"This face can't be faked. We understand you're ashamed to admit doing this kind of thing. Let's go find somewhere quiet to have some fun!"

Suddenly, someone poured some unknown liquid on me, the stench going straight to my nose.

"Maybe she caught something dirty and came to the hospital! Get her out of here, what if we get infected?"

I wiped the stinking liquid off my face and was shoved out of the hospital's outpatient building.

Ethan appeared just in time, pulling me behind him.

"Weren't we supposed to go for the prenatal checkup together after my break? Look at you now, are you doing this on purpose to make me worry?"

Aurelia stood gracefully behind Ethan, with one hand gently on her belly, the other holding an ultrasound report.

"Nora? Are you hurt? Ethan has already handed over the next phase of research to me. He wants you to have a good rest for a while!"

Because of this online farce, my superiors at the research institute ordered me to suspend work. I didn't expect my research, nearing completion, to be handed over just like that!

Since they like my work and my man so much, I might as well quit. I wish them a long-lasting relationship.

Ethan and Aurelia's clean and tidy clothes made me look like a scruffy beggar.

I stepped back, ready to turn and go home, but Ethan blocked my way again, pinching his nose.

"The report for your research needs to be checked, go back and write it now!"

I looked up at Aurelia's smug face, my heart aching with hunger.

"I want to go home."

Ethan's face darkened immediately, and he looked at me with disdain.

"It's just writing a report; don't make it such a big deal!"

He frowned at me, his tone intolerant, forcibly dragging me toward a gaming hotel.

His grip was too strong for me to break free; he pushed me into the room.