Isaiah said, “Alright, that’s enough from both of you. Let me take charge here. The school will step in and investigate, and we’ll make sure everyone gets a clear answer. As the Director of the Department of Student Affairs, I guarantee that we will uphold fairness and justice in this matter. There will be no favoritism!”

David’s face went from pale to red. Delilah’s words left him thoroughly embarrassed.

In his mind, Josie was always the tough, sensible one, nothing like the pampered Natalie. To him, Josie was just some country girl who’d clawed her way up from nothing. He felt that people like her were used to living humbly, always trying to please others just to survive, with no sense of dignity. He figured she would never feel shame, rarely get sick, and never get hurt or upset.

So whenever Josie and Natalie clashed, he just assumed Josie would be the one to give in. After all, he felt that someone like Josie, who didn’t belong in the spotlight, had no business messing with a privileged girl like Natalie.

Of course, these were just his true feelings deep down. As a senior professor with a reputation to uphold, he’d never dare say any of this out loud.

David had always thought Josie didn’t have any ability. In his mind, her small-town background meant she’d never have the vision or ambition to get very far in life, let alone rise above her station. That was why he chose to stand with Natalie.

David brushed off his coat and shot Josie a look full of disdain. He sneered, “Fine, since you’re so determined to push for this investigation, have it your way. I’m curious to see what you’ll actually get out of stirring up all this trouble. I just hope you won’t regret the choice you made today. You should realize that not everyone will go out of their way to protect your pride and help you grow, like we once did. Josie, from now on, you’re on your own.”

On my own, huh? How fitting, Josie thought bitterly. Her face was cold and expressionless, but she bit down hard on her lip, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall. She thought that after everything she’d been through in her previous life, nothing could hurt her anymore. But she had still underestimated just how much David’s words could affect her. Once, she had respected and even looked up to him. Now, all she had left for him was pure hatred.

She thought, “Professor Wilcourt is right. We are both his students, so why did he have to play favorites? Is it just because I come from a poor background? Does he really think I am small-minded, just because of where I come from? But in my previous life, I have done exactly what he said. I have compromised again and again. And what have I gotten in return! It is only now, at this very moment, that I truly understand. In David’s eyes, I have never been anything but a tool. I am someone to be used and tossed aside whenever he pleases. He never sees me as a real person, never thinks I am worth anything. As for respect or anything else? That is just wishful thinking. Who needs a teacher like him?

“David, in this life, I’m going to make you see just how blind you really are, what true ability looks like, and what real regret feels like. I’ll make you swallow every single word you’ve ever thrown at me. I’ll make you beg me to come back. I always keep my word. I just hope when that day comes, you’ll still have the guts you do now.”

Josie took a deep breath, her voice steady and resolute. “I won’t regret this. Professor Lawson, I hope that you never have a day when you regret your decision either.”

“That goes without saying!” David lifted his chin, looking down his nose at her with arrogant pride. David demanded, “Mr. Shepherd, I expect the school to be mindful of how this investigation is handled. Once the facts are clear, I want Natalie’s name cleared right away, and I expect those who smeared her online to be dealt with harshly!”

With that, he turned and strode out, head held high. The rest of the people in the room all felt a heavy, stifling frustration settle in their chests. Delilah let out a long breath and scoffed, “Well, that’s the first time I’ve really seen Professor Lawson throw his weight around like that. He sure talks big. Does he really think he won’t end up getting slapped in the face?”