“I’m not lying. The labels on the backs are completely different from ordinary instruments. Look closely and you’ll see,” I insisted.
Zack leaned in, half-skeptical, to check for himself.
Professor Laird gave a lazy, mocking scoff. “All the institute’s equipment is purchased centrally. I’ve never heard of any differences. Stop trying to fool them. Did you forget I’m standing right here?”
At her words, both Zack and Xaviera immediately lifted their heads, their doubt swept away.
Afraid they still wouldn’t believe me, I rushed to explain, “It’s true. These instruments were donated by Bulwark Group through special channels. You can’t find them on the market.”
Professor Laird burst into laughter, nearly doubling over as though I’d told the funniest joke. “Bulwark Group? They’re our school’s biggest sponsor. They only give special equipment to top talent.
“What? Are you trying to say Bulwark Group gave these to you? How shameless! Why not just claim you’re a top talent and be done with it? At least then your lie would sound halfway convincing!”
Relieved, Zack and Xaviera laughed along. Xaviera lifted the instrument again, her grip firm, while Zack egged her on. “Smash it! Whatever you break, I’ll pay for!”
Xaviera smirked. “You were close with Zack before, don’t you know how wealthy his family is? He could buy this whole lab, let alone a few instruments.”
But I knew Zack’s family situation better than anyone. He couldn’t even afford a single one of these instruments, much less an entire lab full of them.
Seeing they were about to act, I cried out anxiously, “You can’t afford this, put it down!”
Zack only sneered. “You’ve never seen my world. To me, it’s just breakfast money.”
The moment Xaviera raised the instrument to smash it, I lunged desperately, reaching to snatch it from her hands.
But Zack and Professor Laird held me down together, forcing me to the ground.
A loud bang echoed through the room. Xaviera laughed as, one after another, the instruments were smashed into twisted ruins.
These machines were priceless, ones I always handled with the utmost care, yet now I could only watch helplessly, pinned to the floor, as she destroyed them piece by piece.
My chest felt as though it were being torn open, while the three of them looked on, relishing my torment.
By now the entrance was crowded with members of the institute. Someone finally couldn’t help but speak up. “Isn’t this going too far? Why not just talk things out, why resort to violence?”
Unbothered, Xaviera turned to the onlookers, loudly explaining, “What’s the big deal? This vicious woman killed my Sissy and she still dares to claim this whole room as her own. I’m just helping her face reality.”
Professor Laird nodded approvingly. “Exactly. She’s nothing but a disgrace, a failure. What right does she have to show off?”
Meanwhile, Zack spotted the only intact glass tube left on the table. He picked it up and twirled it between his fingers, curiosity flashing in his eyes. “And what’s this?”
Panic surged through me. “Put it down!”
