Gemotions

"Well, isn’t this a coincidence?" The words dripped with honeyed condescension. Across the table, his academic nemesis, Dr. Aris Thorne, smiled, displaying a perfect row of teeth. They were both presenting competing papers at the conference on the same esoteric topic.

The ballroom lights seemed to dim as she realized the stunning similarities: the structure, the innovative data analysis, even the awkward phrasing of certain key arguments. A wave of heat washed over her, making her breath shallow. He had clearly scooped her.

She found herself picking at the tablecloth, her fingers tracing the intricate floral pattern. She couldn't meet his gaze, instead focusing on the patterns as though they held the key to the universe. Her carefully prepared notes felt heavy and pointless in her hands.