Chapter 145
145 The Apology
145 The Apology
It wasn’t just humiliating. Nelson had also completely misunderstood Emma.
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Nelson knew very well how devastating it was to damage a student’s self–esteem, especially in academics.
The thought weighed heavily on his heart.
Slowly, he turned to face Emma and walked toward her.
“Enma,” he called softly, his voice thick with guilt.
Then, without warning, he bowed deeply to her.
Emma had been lost in her own thoughts. Nelson’s sudden gesture startled her.
“W–What are you doing?” she stammered while instinctively stepping back, her eyes filled with suspicion.
But that moment of defense quickly gave way to panic.
She glanced helplessly at Alice.
Alice had been watching all along, though her primary focus was on Pandora.
She needed to be taken in for questioning as there were things that needed to be uncovered.
Nelson continued, his voice sincere, “Emma, I owe you a formal apology. I’ll issue a public statement online admitting that I was wrong, that I misjudged you. Please, don’t give up on your pursuit of knowledge. Don’t turn your back on the dreams you’ve worked so hard for. This was my mistake–not yours.”
Emma looked absolutely stunned.
Her fingers trembled as she pointed at Nelson, then at herself.
“You’re… apologizing to me?”
All the humiliation, all the online hate, the university stripping her of honors she had earned through years of hard work–it had nearly broken her.
The achievements she’d sacrificed her youth for were snatched away overnight.
The blow had been too much to bear.
She had even thought that if she just disappeared, all the pain would end.
But her plan failed.
She survived. Even though her mind was fractured and her world felt suffocating, she hadn’t given in.
Still, she’d been lost–trapped in a haze she couldn’t escape.
And now, with Nelson’s apology, that darkness cracked open just enough for light to shine through.
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12:57 Sun, 13 JUI ©GO
145 The Apology
It turned out that a professor could apologize to a student.
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And when that apology came from a place of genuine remorse, it could stir warmth in a broken heart.
Nelson’s voice was hoarse.
“You’re an exceptional student, I was wrong to doubt you . I see now that the failure was mine. The problem was my judgment, not your worth.
“So please, never doubt yourself. You deserve the very best this world has to offer.”
He paused, his expression softening with hope,
“Emma, if you’re willing, I’d be honored if you’d still be my assistant, I truly want to mentor you properly.”
Emma was still reeling from the bow.
And now this?
She stood frozen, her mind racing.
After a few steadying breaths, she managed to gather herself.
Then, she bowed deeply in return.
“Professor Clem … Thank you. Thank you for admitting your mistake.”
It was this sincere act of humility from someone so respected that restored her confidence.
She realized now–every path to success came with challenges.
This was just one of many.
If she could make it past this, she could make it through anything.
The clouds in her heart finally lifted.
She even chuckled quietly to herself, thinking how fragile she had once been.
And for that, she felt grateful–grateful to Nelson for helping her find her footing again.
She had found hope in life once more.
She said gently, “But, Professor, I’d like to focus on my studies for now. Once I’ve built the strength and skills I need, I’ll come back to learn from you.”
Nelson looked disappointed. But he understood.
Once bitten, twice shy.
She didn’t want to risk getting hurt again. He could hardly blame her.
With a bitter smile, he said, “This was my own doing. I had a brilliant student, and I let her slip through my fingers. I wish you nothing but the brightest future.”
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13:57 Sun, 19 Jul ¤ ¤
145 The Apology
Byron chimed in with a grin.
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“Emma’s being recommended straight into a PhD program. Her new mentor is Dr. Jenny Bush.”
“Jenny Bush?” Nelson’s eyes lit up, and he grew excited. “The world–renowned biomedical scientist?”
Emma froze.
She knew Alice was influential, but Jenny Bush?
Would a global leader in the field be mentoring her?
She turned to Alice, eyes full of disbelief.
Alice gave her a small, meaningful smile, silently signaling her to stay quiet.
And that was all it took. Emma felt completely renewed.
She had to keep pushing forward; she had to be worthy of Ms. Spencer.
Nelson exhaled. “Mr. Reese, I owe you an apology too. I wasn’t exactly kind just now. I hope you’ll forgive me–and help me release the statement.”
“No problem,” Byron replied, nodding before turning to get the statement written up.
Meanwhile, Alice had never taken her eyes off Pandora.
She said calmly, “Pandora, let’s have a talk.”
Pandora flinched, stumbling back in panic before dropping to the floor.
“N–No! Please don’t. I don’t know anything!
“This is all a big misunderstanding! You’re framing me. It’s your fault!”
Alice chuckled coldly.
“I don’t have much patience.”
She took a slow step forward.
An invisible pressure filled the air, sharp as a stormwind slicing through the room.
It made everyone’s skin crawl.
Pandora backed away in a frenzy until she hit the wall.
“No! Stay away from me! Go away!”