Chapter 5

Derek was the one spreading dirty rumors, yet I was the one who had to apologize?

I couldn't accept it, my emotions boiling over.

I demanded fairness, threatening to go to the Dean's office if Professor Alistair was so biased.

Professor Alistair's face darkened.

"I guess you don't want that scholarship anymore, do you?"

"I've already submitted the list of candidates. Do you think blowing this up will do you any good? Where there's smoke, there's fire, Hazel. The school isn't just going to ignore your reputation and character when reviewing applicants."

"Go ahead and report it, go make a scene. Let's see if the school leadership will believe your side of the story!"

Professor Alistair's threats immediately made me hesitate.

He was a professor, well-liked by students, and everyone was willing to support him.

With him siding with Derek, I was on my own. Even if I blew it up, the most I could get was an apology from Derek.

But if I alienated Professor Alistair, I could forget about scholarships or any other opportunities in the future.

Seeing my hesitant expression, Professor Alistair softened his tone, offering a few more conciliatory words.

"Even if you don't pursue this, I'll still make Derek write a formal statement to prove my innocence!"

"Once that's submitted, the students will naturally know those were just rumors, and you'll have achieved your goal. What's left to complain about?"

He winked at Derek. Derek shrugged, reluctantly mumbling an apology to me.

"Alright, for Professor Thorne's sake, I won't make you apologize to me either. Is that satisfactory?"

My heart still felt twisted, but I knew this was the best outcome I could hope for at the moment.

Professor Alistair opened his laptop and drafted a written report.

It stated that Derek and I had a minor personal disagreement, leading Derek to spread rumors about me, and that Professor Alistair and I had no inappropriate physical relationship whatsoever.

The report was printed, and both Derek and I signed it.

Professor Alistair nodded, satisfied.

"With this, no one will talk about you anymore!"

I also thought the matter was over.

But I never imagined that this report would become Derek's accomplice.

He was spreading rumors behind my back, even more vigorously than before!