Chapter 692 The Leaker
âPhewâ¦â Ronin breathed out softly and finally shifted his position. Heâd been lying on the ceiling for two days without a stir below.
Ronin moved slightly and turned to give his numb thighs a break. A growl from his stomach prompted him to carefully retrieve an energy bar from his pocket to replenish his energy. After that, he settled back into position quietly.
Under Catherineâs orders, he wouldnât stop until he unearthed who was causing the disturbances.
However, after he stayed there for two days, the office remained eerily quiet. Ronin wondered whether he had misjudged the direction.
Just as Ronin contemplated revising his plan, the office door lock made a slight sound.
A soft click caught Roninâs attention. He adjusted and barely breathing. He feared detection.
When he spotted the person entering, he rolled his eyes silently.
It was Ciaran, Marshallâs earliest student, who had been working with Marshall. He often frequented Marshallâs office. His entrance was nothing out of the ordinary.
Ronin stifled a yawn and planned to rest a bit. But he noticed Ciaran moving stealthily toward Marshallâs desk. Then Ciaran sat down at the desk and turned on Marshallâs computer.
If it werenât for Ronin taking a second glance, he wouldnât detect anything unusual. He noticed that Ciaranâs expressions and gaze were off.
Ciaran occasionally glanced around and looked incredibly uneasy. It was a far cry from his usual relaxed demeanor when helping Marshall. This was seriously problematic.
Sensing something wrong, Ronin immediately opened his laptop. His mini-computer was already linked to Marshallâs. It mirrored every move made on the other machine.
Ciaran probably didnât anticipate someone monitoring his every move from such close quarters.
As Ronin watched the files open on the computer, he held onto a last shred of hope. While not a student of Marshall, he was well acquainted with Marshallâs team through his connection with Catherine.
Usually, Ciaran was the most amiable and caring. He was akin to a dependable older brother to them all. Deep down, Ronin hoped it wasnât Ciaran.
However, when Ronin witnessed Ciaran copying files onto his storage card, he realized the matter had been settled. Ciaran might not be able to clear his name.
As Ciaran saw the files finish copying, his face lit up with a smile of satisfaction. He removed the card and meticulously wiped any fingerprints from the computer. Only then did Ciaran stand up and prepare to leave the office.
Just as Ciaran was about to touch the doorknob, a loud bang echoed behind him. It was followed by a cold voice. â Ciaran, where are you going?â
Ciaran felt a chill down his spine and slowly turned around. As he spotted Ronin, he eased a bit. Then he frowned and stared at Ronin in displeasure. â Ronin, what are you doing sneaking around Professor Hartleyâs office? You shouldnât be here. Get out and stop causing trouble.â
Ronin sneered and looked disdainfully at him. âCiaran, thatâs an interesting statement. If Iâm not supposed to be here, then what about you?â
Unflinchingly, Ciaran began weaving a lie. He replied, âProfessor Hartley asked me to get something. Canât I come in and help him?â
If Ronin hadnât seen it firsthand, he almost believed Ciaranâs words when he saw Ciaranâs flawless acting.
âCiaran, you donât need to keep pretending. Didnât Professor Hartley inform you his computer was being monitored? Every move you just made has been recorded.â
These words drained the color from Ciaranâs face. He struggled to deny the fact. He shouted, âYouâre talking nonsense! What moves? I just came to deliver something to Professor Hartley. Are you going to investigate that?â
Ronin thought inwardly, âDeliver something? As if anyone will buy that story.â Seeing Ciaranâs stubborn attitude without a trace of remorse, Ronin decided not to indulge him anymore.
âCiaran, if you insist you came to deliver something to Professor Hartley, letâs call him now and have him come over.â
Ciaran felt a pang of fear at Roninâs words. If Marshall arrived, it would mean certain doom for him.
âEnough, Ronin. Youâre not one of us, yet here you are, hiding in Professor Hartleyâs office. Out of respect for Catherine, I havenât come at you. Donât push your luck.â Soft approaches failed, so Ciaran opted for a harder stance.
Ronin hadnât expected this from Ciaran. Since that was the case, there was no need for him to dwell on their relationship.
Right in front of Ciaran, Ronin pulled out his phone and prepared to call Catherine.
Unexpectedly, Ciaran lunged for Roninâs phone and aimed to snatch it away. The sudden move caught Ronin off guard, but his agility saved him. He swiftly deflected Ciaran with a sidekick, which made Ciaran stumble back.
Taking advantage of the moment, Ciaran turned to leave. Before he reached the door, it swung open from outside. Catherine and Marshall appeared simultaneously. Ciaran gave up resistance and slumped to the floor with a paled face. He knew he had no chance and was awaiting judgment.
Catherine glanced at Ronin and noticed the stubble on his chin. She found it somewhat amusing and sympathetic. â You go rest. Iâll take care of this.â
Rest wasnât an option for Ronin until he settled this matter. He wanted to clear Catherineâs name. Heâd make sure everyone knew she couldnât possibly be the leak.
âCatherine, Iâll stand guard at the door while you question.â With Ronin there, no one would get in.
Catherine was unable to persuade him otherwise and let him be. âFine. Then, guard the door.â
After Ronin left, the office was left with just the three of them. Marshall was so angry that he clutched his chest and sat silent.
Catherine didnât immediately confront Ciaran. She politely invited him to sit and talk. She said, âTake a seat. Thereâs no one else here. Letâs chat.â
Ciaran didnât grasp Catherineâs intent. Despite being the youngest in their experimental team, Catherine exuded the most powerful aura among them.
He even found her more intimidating than Marshall. After being discovered, he lacked the courage to meet Catherineâs eyes.
Ciaran slumped on the couch and stared ahead in dismay. âWhat do you want to ask? Go ahead and ask.â