Chapter 50
Soon, the forum was flooded with posts claiming that Josie had used any means necessary to join David’s team—flattering and manipulating several senior students, and even attempting to seduce David. Fortunately, David had resisted her advances. After seeing through her true nature, he used the team’s re-selection process to kick her out.
As Natalie read the new posts, she couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction. This society was forgiving toward men, but not so much toward women. Once these rumors spread, she didn’t believe Josie would have the nerve to stay in school. She was confident that once things blew up, she could clear out the professors and senior students involved, while positioning them as morally upright and above reproach—people who would never engage in favoritism or corruption. That way, her position in the team would be even more secure. No one would say she got in because of her looks; it would be because of her skills. Her status would only rise the longer she stayed in David’s team.
But before Natalie could enjoy her triumph for long, David burst in from outside. “Tell everyone to come back and see me. Now.” Aiden stepped out from the inner office, followed by Kyle. Gavin, who had just returned, also stood in front of David. Natalie was startled and quickly stood up as well. “Have you seen the news online?” Aiden asked, holding a tablet as he walked over. David snorted. “I told you all before: if she wants to leave, then let her. Don’t get involved with her anymore. Are any of you thinking? Why keep provoking her? “Does Vincent have nothing better to do? Why go looking for humiliation in front of her, even letting someone record it and post it online? This is going to ruin my reputation! “Why give her such big leverage? If he wanted the watch, he should’ve bought it himself. Where’s his pride? “Now, tell me honestly, what has Josie given you? Find everything and return it. “Anything you owe her—give it back. I don’t want to hear of any more of this coming out!”
David didn’t hold back, even pointing his finger at Natalie. “And you,” he snapped, “you better remember this: I don’t accept students with poor character. Even if your grades are perfect, I don’t want you. “Josie’s thesis wasn’t worse than yours. It’s just that after hearing what she said about you, I decided her character was flawed. That’s why I used this opportunity to teach her a lesson. “She didn’t want to be disciplined and chose to leave the team. As her advisor, I respect her decision, but I also believe I’ve done my job as a teacher. “If I find out you’re anything like her—full of schemes and hidden agendas—don’t blame me for being ruthless and kicking you out of the team!”
Natalie’s heart sank. ‘This is bad,’ she thought. ‘If David finds out I just schemed against Josie, I can kiss my spot in the team goodbye!’ Last time, with the plagiarism incident, she was the victim, and David hadn’t suspected her. But now, with this situation involving him and several senior students, she was afraid he would push for an investigation. She was confident she had covered her tracks well and it wouldn’t be easy to trace it back to her. But what if they did? She hadn’t fully established her place in the team yet. She couldn’t afford to take that risk. If she had known this would happen, she wouldn’t have been so hasty. She should have waited before making a move against Josie.
Natalie lowered her head, her mind racing. “I understand, Professor. I’ll make sure I don’t do anything against the school’s rules or break any laws.” “Where’s Vincent? Why is he still not here? Call him again!” David pulled at his collar, and Kyle quickly moved a chair for him. David was extremely protective of his reputation. He wouldn’t allow anything to tarnish his name. When he first recruited Josie, it was because of her humble background, her honesty, and her excellent grades. He thought she would be a well-behaved, thoughtful girl who wouldn’t cause him trouble. What was more important was…