Chapter 24
“I don’t think so!” Mia declared, silently cursing her seniors for their foolishness. How could they even consider getting Luna to rejoin the team after forcing her into such a difficult position?
Although she suspected Luna would never return, Mia dared not risk letting Wyatt speak to her. After all, this was Wyatt Dalton, the object of every woman’s affection in medical school!
What if Luna softened and agreed to rejoin after Wyatt talked to her? Mia couldn't allow that.
She tugged at Wyatt’s sleeve. “Wyatt, have you guys thought this through? Luna’s situation is all over the school forum. You’ll embarrass Professor Hanley if you try to convince her to rejoin the team!”
“If she agrees to return, Professor Hanley’s assessment will become a joke. He’ll be accused of abusing his power to settle personal grudges!”
Trevor glanced at Mia before nodding. “We can’t have Luna back. In my opinion, let's grant her wish, since she insists on changing her major.”
“But Trevor, Luna’s been with us for years. Do you have the heart to watch her ruin her life?” Russell remained dismayed. “You’ve seen what people wrote about her. I’m sure she’s realized her mistakes after being attacked online. Her life will be over if she doesn’t graduate on time and secure a job.”
“Do you want her to ruin her future? Do you even have empathy?”
“That’s enough!” Wyatt yelled, cutting Russell off. “Now that things have unfolded this way, we can’t embarrass Professor Hanley. Luna needs to face the consequences of her decision.”
“If you’re truly worried about her, you should talk to her privately. Tell her to come to us for help if she runs into any trouble in the future. I’m willing to help her to the best of my ability.”
Trevor nodded. “That’s right. Me too.”
The others nodded in agreement.
Their decision to support Luna angered Mia. She had seen this coming—Luna’s strategy to step back had worked.
With the help and support of the five seniors, Luna would still do well even if she graduated with a less conventional major. Luna didn’t deserve this!
Mia wouldn't let her seniors help Luna. She wanted their support entirely for herself. Their knowledge, family influence, and connections belonged to her alone—not Luna!
That afternoon, Luna went out for food after sending her proposal to the group chat. However, right after leaving her dorm, she ran into Russell and Ethan, snacks in hand.
“Luna, I was a little harsh this afternoon. I’m sorry,” Russell said, seemingly having reflected on his actions.
Luna cautiously took a step back. Judging by Russell’s sudden politeness, she knew from past experience that he must want something from her.
Then, Ethan smiled and handed her the snacks. “Wyatt and Mia picked these snacks for you. He said you’re still our junior even though you’ve left the team.”
“We’ve worked together for years. Our relationship has gone beyond that of classmates. If you need any help from us, just speak up.”
“Wyatt was very mad at you, but Mia calmed him down. You’ve misjudged Mia. She doesn’t have anything against you!”
“When did I make that claim?” Luna stared at Ethan, amused. “Not only have I never accused her of having a grudge against me, but neither will that ever happen in the future. She and I will rarely cross paths, and there won’t be any conflict of interest. Right?”
Ethan picked up on the undertone of Luna’s reply, but wondered if he was overthinking it. Luna wasn’t one to make veiled comments.
“Anyway, let’s put this matter to rest. Since you’ve found a major you’re interested in, you should study hard. I hope you won’t regret your choice.” Ethan looked arrogant as he spoke. In his eyes, Luna had chosen a dead end and was no longer of value to him. He wouldn’t have come to see Luna had Mia not insisted he accompany Russell.