Chapter 100

Sophia Lowell pressed her lips together. She wanted to refuse, but still asked, "How do I get to the dean's office?"

She had been on the job for less than a week, and the sprawling campus still felt unfamiliar. This matter had to be explained to the dean in person.

Sebastian Valdemar's gaze flickered, as if he saw right through her. "I'll take you."

Sophia murmured her thanks and followed him to his car.

Ten minutes later, they stood outside the dean's office.

Sebastian raised his hand and knocked.

"Come in," a deep voice called from inside.

The door opened to reveal Arthur Ellison hunched over his desk, reviewing documents with a furrowed brow—clearly grappling with a difficult issue.

"Dean, busy?" Sebastian asked gently.

Arthur didn’t look up. "One of the faculty members caused trouble. It’s a mess. Trying to figure out how to handle it—"

He abruptly lifted his head, his expression brightening when he recognized the visitor. "Ah, Professor Valdemar! What brings you here? No students hounding you for thesis revisions?"

Sebastian stood before the desk, a faint smile on his lips. "Heard you had a problem. Thought I’d come help."

"Oh?" Arthur arched a brow. "How so?"

Sebastian turned toward the door. "Professor Lowell, please come in."

Sophia stepped inside.

Arthur’s frown deepened at the sight of her. "You know Professor Lowell, Sebastian?"

"Third time meeting her," Sebastian replied frankly.

Arthur chuckled meaningfully. "She was recommended by your father."

Sophia’s heart skipped a beat.

So this was the eldest son her mentor often mentioned—the one teaching in New York. She inwardly scolded herself for not realizing sooner.

Sebastian remained unruffled. "She was indeed my father’s student, but we’ve only met three times. When I heard about her situation, I happened to run into her and brought her to see you."

His tone was sincere. "For the sake of your long-standing friendship with my father, give Professor Lowell a chance to explain. Even criminals get to defend themselves—let alone someone innocent?"

"Innocent?" Arthur smirked. "Seems you trust her quite a bit, Sebastian."

"I’ve never doubted my father’s judgment," Sebastian said calmly. "Neither have you, right?"

If Arthur had wanted an easy solution, he could’ve just fired her outright. Why bother weighing the matter now?

Arthur suddenly laughed, shaking his head at Sebastian. "You and your father—both too sharp for your own good. This old man doesn’t stand a chance against you."