Chapter 33 Drawing the Line
Rebecca jumped in without hesitation. “Micah, that’s not true. If Scarlett really found a new advisor, she’d never do anything to embarrass Professor Miller.”
Calvin’s face darkened. Never embarrass me?
She’s been nothing but a headache from the beginning.
If she landed under another professor and started talking, who knew what she’d say to ruin him? A few careless words, and she could stain his entire career.
He was a respected figure in medicine. If she dragged his name through the mud, it could ruin him.
“Let’s go. I want to see for myself,” he snapped, his voice like ice. “I’d love to see which genius is dumb enough to take her on as a student.”
And with that, he stormed off.
A flash of satisfaction crossed Rebecca’s eyes as she quickly followed.
Micah paused for a beat, then hurried to catch up. “Rebecca–tell me the truth. Did she threaten you into helping her? Is that why you’re trying to get Professor Miller involved again?”
Rebecca slowed down and ducked her head. “No… nothing like that…”
“Hmph. I knew she couldn’t be trusted. She’s probably using you to sneak her way back in. That’s what this is really about, right? Trying to get Professor Miller to take her back?” He narrowed his eyes. “When we get there, just stay behind me and keep quiet. Understood?”
Rebecca was a little surprised by how wild Micah’s assumptions were–but honestly, it made things easier.
All she had to do was keep acting fragile. “Micah, I…”
“That’s enough. Kindness doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you. Just stay behind me and don’t say
a word.”
Rebecca gave a pitiful nod.
Scarlett stood beside Mr. Wayne, surrounded by a small group of cancer researchers.
Her ideas were sharp, fresh, and grounded in real science. Several of the experts looked genuinely impressed.
Wayne leaned over and lowered his voice. “These folks are some of the best in the field. A few are seriously considering taking you on as a PhD student. Interested?”
Scarlett shook her head.
She had no plans to pursue a doctorate.
Wayne launched into a passionate pitch, trying to convince her of how valuable a PhD would be–from academic recognition to future career options. He talked so much that his voice nearly gave out.
But Scarlett didn’t budge.
“I’m not looking for a new mentor.”
She only had a little over ten days left before heading to Jandale. There was no point in starting something
new.
Wayne looked genuinely concerned. “You’re not stepping away from this field just because Professor Miller didn’t see your value, right?”
Scarlett shook her head. “Personal matters have nothing to do with my work.”
Wayne let out a breath of relief and gave his chest a pat. “Glad to hear that. Oh, and your research paper- you’re still listing this university, right?”
Scarlett nodded.
His posture straightened instantly with pride. “Good. The scholarship funds are ready–we’ll be waiting to celebrate when you win!”
Scarlett didn’t say anything. It’s a medical paper going into a research competition, not a battle. Mr. Wayne really knows how to overdo it sometimes.
“There she is,” Micah said, pointing toward Scarlett.
But when he noticed Mr. Wayne beside her, he instinctively turned to see Calvin’s reaction.
Calvin scoffed. “Wayne’s still the type who can’t stand anything out of place. Even knowing the expulsion notice hasn’t dropped yet, he comes here himself–trying to stop her from dragging more professors down with her.”
Micah nodded like it all made sense. “That explains why the other professors were suddenly gone earlier. Mr. Wayne must’ve stepped in.”
Calvin’s voice was cool and smug. “That’s what happens when you have integrity–people stand by you. When you don’t, you’re on your own. She’s right where she belongs.”
Rebecca looked uneasy. “Wait… are we too late? You think Scarlett’s upset?”
Micah let out a sigh. “You should be glad no one took her in. If she’d tricked another professor into accepting her, and something went wrong, it wouldn’t just be Professor Miller who’d take the heat. Mr. Wayne himself would have to apologize in person. I get that you’re worried about her, but let’s be honest -she brought this on herself. Don’t cry over someone like that. She’s not worth it.”
Rebecca wiped her eyes and nodded. “Okay.”
Calvin, deep in thought, let out a quiet sigh. “Let’s go. Better to set the record straight before she starts dropping my name to get ahead.”
Wayne, being the university president, still drew plenty of attention.
Even now, a few people were lingering around him, greeting him and making conversation.
As Calvin walked up, there were still several professors standing nearby.
“Wayne, I hate that something this minor dragged you into it again,” Calvin said with a sigh and a smile. But when he turned to Scarlett, his expression hardened. “Like I said in your office–this student has nothing to do with me anymore. Whatever she does going forward, keep my name out of it. She doesn’t deserve another chance. You shouldn’t be giving her one.”
He said it loudly on purpose, for everyone to hear.
The surrounding group immediately picked up on it.
“Wait, Professor Miller -you’re not her advisor anymore?”
Calvin let out a sigh. “What can I say? We’ve all got our drama. No point dragging it out–people who know the story already get it.”
Someone else chimed in. “So just to be clear–Scarlett used to be your student, and now you’re cutting ties?”
Calvin waved his hand dismissively. “There’s nothing left to talk about. Whatever she does going forward, it’s got nothing to do with me.”
