Chapter 459
Anastasia already knew that the woman before her was the legendary Marico Lockwood-the very same “Mr. Lockwood” she’d heard so much about. Her reputation preceded her: upright, unyielding, and as clear-cut as her own
crystalline name.
“Dean, what brings you back so soon?” Mr. Evert shot up from his seat, visibly flustered.
His almost reverent posture made it clear: Mr. Lockwood’s authority at Global Harmony Medical Institute was absolutely unshakable.
Mr. Lockwood gave a sharp, dismissive snort. “If I hadn’t come back, the student I specifically entrusted to your care would have been unceremoniously thrown out by now!”
The message was unmistakable-she was siding with Anastasia. At this, Mr. Evert’s expression darkened. “Dean, you don’t know the full story. This student’s conduct is far beneath her position. If we let her stay, the reputation of Global Harmony Medical Institute will be utterly destroyed!”
He gestured at the students nearby, and Lauren, catching his cue, hurriedly stepped forward and handed a stack of complaint letters to Mr. Lockwood.
“Dean, please look at these. Ever since Anastasia arrived, our institute has received a flood of grievances. People are outraged that we admitted a student accused of cheating so blatantly-it’s already causing outsiders to question the integrity of our standards
“So, you’ve actually found proof of Anastasia’s cheating?” The elderly woman’s sharp gaze fixed on Lauren, making her shift uncomfortably.
Lauren faltered, eyes dropping. “Anastasia has an unusual relationship with Dr. Harrison Lancaster. Out of respect for him, we didn’t press the matter. We thought it best to let her leave quietly—no need for a public scandal. That way, Dr. Lancaster wouldn’t lose face.” Follow current nová´‡ls on.net
Her words were slyly crafted, implying that they had chosen not to look for evidence-not that it didn’t exist. In other words, whether or not there was proof, Anastasia’s guilt was already a foregone conclusion.
Anastasia gave a cold, mocking smile-as if she was supposed to be grateful for their “consideration.”
But she didn’t bother to speak. With Mr. Lockwood present, there was no need for her to fight this battle herself.
Sure enough, Mr. Lockwood was clearly unimpressed by Lauren’s explanation. “So you don’t actually have any evidence? Without a shred of proof, you’re ready to accuse Anastasia of cheating and expel her? Since when did Global Harmony Medical Institute start making up rules like that?” Her voice cut through the room like a knife.
Mr. Lockwood had once held Lauren in high regard, but her handling of this incident left the dean visibly disappointed.
Her gaze sharpened. “Your actions don’t make me think you’re looking out for Anastasia. All I see is
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someone afraid of her talent, using your authority to her under false pretenses!”
She made no attempt to soften the accusation. Lauren’s face drained of color on the spot.
The others stared, stunned. No one
had expected the dean to be so
blunt to call Lauren out so
harshly in
front of everyone without the
slightest concern for saving face.
Everyone knew Mr. Lockwood had admired Lauren in the past. That she’d speak
to her like this now was almost unthinkable.
Instinctively, people glanced at Anastasia, who watched the spectacle with a calm detachment, as if none of it concerned her.
Clearly, the dean was firmly in Anastasia’s corner-she had just reprimanded Lauren publicly for her sake.
Lauren hadn’t expected Mr. Lockwood to see right through her motives. Her palms began to sweat. “Dean, I would never
Mr. Evert quickly jumped in to shield his student. “Dean, you know
Lauren’s character. With her abilities,
there’s no
way sh
would ever feel.
threatened by a newcomer like
Anastasia!”
His tone made his disdain for Anastasia crystal clear.
Mr. Lockwood’s voice was icy. “I don’t care what she claims to feel I only care
about her actions, and I draw my conclusions from those.”
Mr. Evert and his protégée were left speechless.
They looked ready to argue further, but Mr. Lockwood had already turned away
from them. Her attention was now fixed on Anastasia.