Chapter 937
It was incomprehensible to Donovan how an Education graduate from Maxwell University like himself could be held in less esteem than a mere student in the eyes of this teaching peer of his.
“Why should you not? Wouldn’t apologizing for falsely accusing someone else of wrongdoing be the proper thing to do even if you weren‘t a lecturer?” came Arthur‘s dour response.
“Mr. Brown…” Donovan looked to Marcus in the hope that the latter would speak up on his behalf.
In place of Marcus‘ usual amiable demeanor was a look of sternness. “Had Professor Sleight not brought this up, I‘d have clean forgotten about it. To date, you’ve yet to make an apology to Arielle at the assembly as you‘ve promised before.”
“I…”
“It‘s just as well,” Marcus said, cutting Donovan short. “If you‘re maligning Arielle this time without proof like you did of Arielle fighting outside of school and for the incident at the freshman party, see to it that you pay all of your dues for all three of them simultaneously.”
“Mr. Brown!” Donovan sounded seriously aggrieved. “Do you really want me to make an apology at the charitable event? As many parents would be expected to be in attendance, this would be an embarrassment to the faculty members of Jadeborough University. Is the dignity of a lecturer less important than that of a student?”
“Like payment for a debt, it‘s only right to make reparations for one‘s own mistakes. This has been the way since antiquity,” the furrowing Marcus replied. “Also, you might have been mistaken about one thing. It‘s the students, not the teachers, who are the most vital elements of the school. Thus you, as a teacher, ought to take ownership of your mistakes like a good role model to the students should. There are simply no two ways about it.”
Donovan bit down on his lip. “Fine! If nothing turned up in the footage establishing Arielle‘s guilt, then I shall publicly apologize to her. However, if she had indeed cheated, you should expel her immediately!”
Marcus assented with a nod. “Very well. Cheating has always been regarded as a serious matter, especially during such an important exam. If her guilt is established, then I shall see to her expulsion in accordance to the school rules.”
Hearing the word expulsion made Donovan feel somewhat better.
“Then it‘s agreed. I hope that you‘d not let her off again this time on account of Vinson Nightshire, Mr. Brown.”
Marcus‘ brows creased into a furrow. “Do be mindful of what you say. Not once have I cut Arielle any slack because of Vinson, for all along, she had not been in the wrong. Conversely, it was you kept erring.”
An awful expression flickered across Donovan‘s face, but he clenched his fists and quickly reasserted himself.
“Now then, let us go review the footage.”
“Let‘s!” Marcus then strode ahead with Arthur tailing close behind.
Having borne testament to Arielle‘s gifts, the latter was certain that the ability she has demonstrated so far to be merely the tip of the iceberg.
Thus he, too, wanted to go along and see her vindicated so that he could affirm her genius.
Curiosity drove the other lecturers to follow, as they were also keen to know the outcome.
The sullen–faced Donovan, who propped up the rear, remained convinced of Arielle’s guilt and was certain that today would be the day she got expelled.
Ever since the incident surrounding Queenie, he had felt an indescribable sense of shame whenever he saw Arielle. With her exit, that sentiment would be something that he would no longer have to contend with.
Finally, this will all be over.
