Chapter 52

“Professor, I was wrong. I’ll return everything Josie gave me, and I won’t go near her again. I’ve embarrassed you, but it won’t happen again.”

While David was still dealing with Vincent, Natalie quickly contacted her sources to have the defamatory posts about Josie removed from the internet.

She refreshed the page several times, and seeing that no one was still spreading rumors about Josie’s inappropriate behavior or claiming she had used connections to stay in David’s team, she finally let out a relieved sigh.

It looked like her attempt to ruin Josie’s reputation wouldn’t work after all. Josie’d been spared–for now. But she knew there would be other opportunities to deal with her eventually.

Natalie felt a tinge of regret.

“You’re finally aware you’ve made a fool of yourself, huh? Looks like there’s still hope for you after all!” David’s anger had cooled a little, thanks to Aiden’s efforts to calm him down, though he was still visibly upset.

He glared at Vincent. “I know you’ve always had a good relationship with Josie. I understand you’re upset about her leaving the team and that you want to convince her to come back.

“But I’ve said it over and over–what matters most for my students isn’t just their academic ability, it’s their character. That girl may seem honest, but she’s actually pretty petty. If not, how could she have manipulated all five of you into protecting her?

“Now that she’s lost what she wanted, she’s angry and trying to drag you all down with her. And here you are, feeling sorry for her, thinking about bringing her back. You’ve fallen right into her trap.

“Vincent, we in academia know that our reputation is just as important as our research results. Remember that, and don’t go near her again.”

Vincent lowered his head. “I understand, Professor.”

“Good,” David nodded. “Now, all of you, listen up!” His tone hardened. “Focus on preparing for the upcoming competition. Don’t waste another second on that girl.

“Now that she has a new team, we wish her well. We hope she graduates smoothly and doesn’t let us down. But that’s where it ends.

“We won’t dwell on this any longer. Everyone, go back to your work!”

David waved them off, his expression weary.

The others exchanged looks, surprised at how the situation had been raised to a boiling point and then just as easily dropped. Vincent, in particular, hadn’t expected David to let him off without any punishment.

He rubbed his stomach, thinking, ‘Well, that kick wasn’t so bad after all!’

It seemed like David still valued his teacher–student bond with Josie. No wonder so many students wanted him as their mentor–he really was a great teacher.

After the others left, David gestured for Aiden to stay behind.

The two walked into the office together.

David motioned for Aiden to sit. “What’s your take on Josie?”

“She clearly set up Vincent!” Aiden said, his teeth clenched.

“She couldn’t accept leaving the team, and she knew that even if she came back, we wouldn’t welcome her. So instead of trying to come back, she decided to cut ties completely. She’s worried about being seen as someone who was eliminated, so she’s trying to clear her name by playing the victim.”

David shook his head. “You’re underestimating her. She doesn’t need to clear her name. All she needs is to find someone more powerful than me. If she can get a bigger backer, the students and teachers will start looking at her with a whole new perspective.”

“But who in the entire medical school could possibly be more powerful than you?” Aiden asked, confused.

“We’re in the top team of the most popular department. She’s joined a lesser–known team now, hasn’t she?”

David smiled faintly. “Professor Wilcourt has connections to the Reedshaw family. As long as Josie graduates smoothly, with her dual–degree background, she’ll have her pick of hospitals in Aloville.

“And she’ll gain recognition in the research institute too!”

Aiden shook his head. “Dual degrees? It’s not that simple. Besides, if Professor Wilcourt were really that powerful, why would she still be second to you at the university?”

“You don’t get it,” David sighed. “If it weren’t for my academic standing, do you think I could hold her in check here? That’s exactly what she’s upset about, and why she sought out Josie.”

A bitter expression crossed David’s face. “I underestimated her. I never thought she’d be so calculating at such a young age…”

“Professor, what exactly is going on? What else has Josie done?” Aiden asked, growing more concerned.