Chapter 340

An image of Professor Zhang flashed through Sophia Lowell's mind. She nodded slightly. "Thanks for the heads-up, Margaret. I'll treat you to dinner after the promotion."

Margaret Kemnis, the academic advisor, was a few years older than Sophia. Outgoing and straightforward, she never put on airs as a faculty member. Students affectionately called her "Margaret," and Sophia was no exception. Both hailing from Seattle, Margaret had always looked out for her, making her the closest colleague Sophia had at the university.

Margaret was always the first to keep Sophia informed about campus affairs.

The news of her impending promotion had lifted Sophia's spirits these past few days. Becoming a full-time faculty member meant she could return to Seattle—one step closer to breaking free from Ethan Roscente. Even with the $45 million debt still looming, at least she wouldn't have to constantly brace for Ethan's sudden appearances.

Today was the day the promotion list would be announced. Sophia arrived at work brimming with anticipation, only to find the office atmosphere strangely tense. Colleagues' gazes lingered on her before darting away the moment she met their eyes.

The odd tension persisted until after class, when she ran into Margaret in the hallway—and the discomfort peaked.

"Did something happen on the campus forum?" Sophia pulled Margaret aside. "Everyone's looking at me weirdly."

Margaret hesitated. "Well..."

She gritted her teeth. "You'll find out sooner or later. Your name isn't on the promotion list."

"What?" Sophia's pupils constricted. "But you said I was on it last time."

Margaret dragged her into a corner, lowering her voice. "Dylan Langley pulled strings and bumped you off."

"That's against protocol." Sophia frowned. "His attendance records and student evaluations are far worse than mine."

Margaret sighed helplessly. "With the job market so tight this year, these positions are all prearranged. That Dylan didn't even meet the hiring criteria—he graduated from a second-tier college. But who made the dean his uncle? The department head wants that promotion, so of course he'd curry favor."

"I see." Sophia's lips curled into a cold smile.

"Pure nepotism," Margaret muttered with disdain.

Just then, a figure sauntered into view. Margaret shot Sophia a meaningful look. "Speak of the devil."

Dylan Langley strolled over, cradling a thermos. He paused at the sight of them, took a deliberate sip of his goji berry tea, and raised an eyebrow smugly. "Talking behind my back? Too bad the promotion's still mine."

His gaze swept over Sophia with contempt. "I told you when I asked you out—being my girlfriend comes with perks. But you had to get cozy with Professor Orlando. Where's he now when you need him?"