Chapter 172

"Professor Whitaker, please let me explain!" Vanessa's voice trembled with desperation. "I acted without thinking, and I regret it deeply."

Tears streamed down her face as she clutched the professor's sleeve. "I'm begging for your mercy! I swear I'll never repeat this mistake."

Edmund Whitaker remained stone-faced. "Ms. Sterling, I cannot in good conscience recommend you for my graduate program." His voice carried finality. "While your grades might meet requirements, your ethical conduct does not."

Vanessa's world crumbled around her.

In their tight-knit fashion community, rejection from the renowned Professor Whitaker would effectively blacklist her from the industry.

Eleanor Blackwell stood frozen in shock.

She rushed forward. "Professor, my daughter made one small error! Give her another chance - she'll prove herself worthy!" Her manicured nails dug into her palms.

Nearby, Evelyn Carter observed quietly. "Academic integrity matters more than perfect grades. Perhaps another career path would be more... suitable."

Eleanor whirled on her. "Saints aren't perfect either! Vanessa's entire future hangs in the balance over one mistake!" Her voice cracked with hysteria.

Whispers spread through the gathered crowd like wildfire.

Professor Whitaker ignored the outburst, turning instead to Evelyn. "Ms. Carter, I've heard remarkable things about your boutique." His tone warmed considerably. "Your designs show true originality - exactly what our industry needs."

Evelyn inclined her head gracefully. "You honor me with such praise, Professor. I'll continue striving for excellence."

The professor nodded approvingly before departing with Lawrence Pembroke.

"Professor!" Eleanor called after him futilely, her designer heels stamping the marble floor.

As the crowd dispersed, gossip about the exhibition disaster already began spreading through Sterling Enterprises' elite circles.

Eleanor's carefully constructed plans for Vanessa's future lay in ruins.

She turned on Evelyn with venom in her eyes. "Why must you constantly interfere? What grudge do you hold against my daughter?"

Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow. "Still blaming others for consequences you brought upon yourself?"

"This is petty vengeance!" Eleanor shrieked, hand raised to strike.

Nathan Sterling caught her wrist mid-swing. "Enough."

Eleanor's defiance evaporated instantly. "Nathan, your sister's career is ruined because of this woman!" Her voice turned saccharine. "You must help Vanessa!"

Nathan's expression remained glacial. "Actions have consequences."

"How can you say that about your own sister?" Eleanor gasped.

His next words fell like a guillotine. "Vanessa, you're withdrawing from Sterling University effective immediately. You'll take an entry-level position at headquarters - no design department access."

Vanessa's wail echoed through the gallery. "Nathan, please!"

"No discussion." His voice brooked no argument. "Refuse, and I'll freeze all your accounts immediately."