A stunned silence fell over the meeting room. Griffin's question echoed in the air, cutting through the tension like a blade. I kept my face carefully composed, though inside I was almost smiling at the masterful way he'd turned the tables.
Imogen recovered first, her voice high and brittle. "I already told you. Professor Daniels sent it to me privately."
"That's right," Liam added quickly, standing to support her claim. "Dr. Emma Bella collaborates with several university professors. It's not unusual for her to share her work."
Griffin's expression remained pleasant, almost apologetic. "I'm afraid that's incorrect. Dr. Bella hasn't shared any research with Professor Daniels in the past eight months. I manage all her correspondence personally."
My mother's face paled. Her eyes darted around the room like a cornered animal's.
"Perhaps there was a misunderstanding," she said, attempting to regain her composure. "Maybe Imogen received it from someone else on Dr. Bella's team?"
