Chapter 4: Three Seconds
The ceremony began.
Names were called. Achievements listed.
Then came Noah.
He walked onto the stage calmly.
The dean spoke:
“Noah Mercer, recognized for his groundbreaking work in predictive infrastructure systems and for initiating a formal investigation into regulatory failures affecting public safety…”
A ripple moved through the audience.
Then the screen lit up with a live address from Dr. Elena Voss, a renowned figure in research and ethics.
She congratulated the students.
Then she said:
“We are especially proud of Mr. Mercer, whose findings exposed serious misconduct within one of our affiliated development divisions. As of this morning, all individuals involved have been terminated and referred for legal action.”
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Three seconds.
That’s all it took.
Adrian froze.
His phone began vibrating nonstop.
Because the investigation Noah contributed to had uncovered corruption—documents, approvals, falsified reports.
All leading back to one name.
Adrian Cole.
