It was incomprehensible to Donovan how an Education graduate from Maxwell University like himself
could be held in less esteem than a mere student in the eyes of this teaching peer of his.
âWhy should you not? Wouldnât apologizing for falsely accusing someone else of wrongdoing be the
proper thing to do even if you werenât a lecturer?â came Arthurâs dour response.
âMr. Brownâ¦â Donovan looked to Marcus in the hope that the latter would speak up on his behalf.
In place of Marcusâ usual amiable demeanor was a look of sternness. âHad Professor Sleight not
brought this up, Iâd have clean forgotten about it. To date, youâve yet to make an apology to Arielle at
the assembly as youâve promised before.â
âIâ¦â
âItâs just as well,â Marcus said, cutting Donovan short. âIf youâre maligning Arielle this time without proof
like you did of Arielle fighting outside of school and for the incident at the freshman party, see to it
that you pay all of your dues for all three of them simultaneously.â
âMr. Brown!â Donovan sounded seriously aggrieved. âDo you really
want me to make an apology at the charitable event? As many parents would be expected to be in atte
ndance, this would be an embarrassment to the faculty members of Jadeborough University. Is the dign
ity of a lecturer less important than that of a student?â
âLike payment for a debt, itâs only right to make reparations for oneâs own mistakes. This has been the
way since antiquity,â the furrowing Marcus replied. âAlso, you might have been mistaken
about one thing. Itâs the students, not the teachers, who are
the most vital elements of the school. Thus you, as a teacher, ought to take ownership of your mistakes
like a good role model to the students should. There are simply no two ways about it.â
Donovan bit down on his lip. âFine! If nothing turned up in the footage establishing
Arielleâs guilt, then I shall publicly apologize to her. However, if she
had indeed cheated, you should expel her immediately!â
Marcus assented with a nod. âVery well. Cheating has always been regarded as a serious matter, espe
cially during such an important exam.
If her guilt is established, then I shall see to her expulsion in accordance to the school rules.â
Hearing the word expulsion made Donovan feel somewhat better.
âThen itâs agreed. I hope that youâd not let her off again this time on account
of Vinson Nightshire, Mr. Brown.â
Marcusâ brows creased into a furrow. âDo be
mindful of what you say. Not once have I cut Arielle any slack because of Vinson, for all along, she had
not been in the wrong. Conversely, it was you kept erring.â
An awful expression flickered across Donovanâs face, but he clenched his fists and quickly reasserted h
imself.
âNow then, let us go review the footage.â
âLetâs!â Marcus then strode ahead with Arthur tailing close behind.
Having borne testament to Arielleâs gifts, the latter was certain that
the ability she has demonstrated so far to be merely the tip of the iceberg.
Thus he, too, wanted to go along and see her vindicated so that he could affirm her genius.
Curiosity drove the other lecturers to follow, as they were also keen to know the outcome.
The sullenâfaced Donovan, who propped up the rear, remained convinced of Arielleâs guilt and was
certain that today would be the day she got expelled.
Ever since the incident surrounding Queenie, he
had felt an indescribable sense of shame whenever he
saw Arielle. With her exit, that sentiment would be something that he would no longer have to
contend with.
Finally, this will all be over.