Chapter 99

The post on the campus forum exploded like a bomb, instantly igniting a firestorm across Seattle University.

"Sophia Lowell? That new beauty in the Architecture Department?"

"Putting on such a prim act, but she's actually shameless behind the scenes!"

"Two million in dowry still wasn't enough? How greedy can you get?"

"A woman like her doesn't deserve to be a professor!"

Comments scrolled endlessly across my phone screen, each one sharp as a blade. Standing in the hallway of the academic building, I felt a chill crawl down my spine.

"I heard she killed someone!"

"Why hasn't she been arrested yet?"

"The university needs to fire her immediately!"

My fingers clenched around my phone, knuckles turning white. Unknown numbers kept flooding in with hateful messages, each word cutting deeper.

"Professor Lowell?"

A gentle voice suddenly spoke behind me.

I spun around, nearly colliding with the person standing there. Sebastian Valdemar stood half a step away, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Mr. Valdemar?" I instinctively took a step back. "What are you doing here?"

He lifted the teaching materials in his hand. "I'm a guest lecturer for the Business School."

I forced a weak smile. "So we're colleagues."

His gaze dropped to my trembling fingers. "What's wrong?"

Before I could answer, a commotion erupted at the end of the hallway.

"That's her!"

"The professor who scammed the dowry!"

A group of students pointed their phones in our direction, camera flashes flickering nonstop.

Sebastian subtly shifted to shield me.

"Do you need help?" he murmured.

I took a deep breath. "Thank you, but this is my problem."

Just then, my phone buzzed again. The screen displayed the university president's caller ID.

"Professor Lowell, come to my office immediately."

Hanging up, my palms were slick with sweat.

Sebastian handed me a tissue. "Should I go with you?"

I shook my head and straightened my back.

"No."

As I turned away, whispers trailed after me.

"Who does she think she is?"

"I heard she only goes after rich men..."

I paused mid-step but didn't look back.

Inside the president's office, the university board sat around the conference table with grim expressions.

"Professor Lowell, this online scandal is severely damaging our institution's reputation."

"We've received numerous complaints from parents."

"This matter must be resolved immediately."

I tightened my fists. "Those are all lies."

The president slid a document across the table. "The Clementsons provided bank transfer records."

Staring at the so-called "evidence," my vision blurred.

"That money was—"

The door suddenly swung open before I could finish.

"Excuse me."

Sebastian stood in the doorway, holding a file.

"I believe everyone should see this."