Chapter 4
I let out a cold, short laugh.
“Then tell me—besides that pathetic pity, what else do you have p>
At her stunned expression, I took a step forward.
“I suggest you stop staking your studies and future on a man and focus on your own studies p>
Her face paled.
I pushed the door open and left.
As soon as I returned to the ballroom, the dean spotted me. His eyes lit up, and he hurried over.
“Ms. Bennett! I’ve been looking for you. Thank you so much for the scholarship p>
His voice wasn’t loud, but several nearby people turned to look.
Ethan had been talking to someone not far away; he turned at the sound.
The dean shook my hand warmly.
“Setting up a scholarship for the art department will change so many students’ lives. We’re incredibly grateful. Your school is incredibly proud to call you our alum p>
I smiled and nodded.
“I only wanted to give back. It’s nothing much p>
The dean looked deeply moved, his tone growing even more respectful.
“You must attend the signing ceremony next week! We’ll hold a proper event to show all the students what a successfulalum looks like p>
After a few more polite exchanges, the dean left.
Ethan walked over, shock in his eyes.
“You established a scholarship for the art department? Why didn’t you say anything p>
“I only just finalized it p>
His forehead creased slightly.
“Why didn’t you discuss this with me first? If you suddenly fund a scholarship in my department, what’s everyone going to think p>
“What will they think p>
I lifted my gaze to him. A flash of embarrassment crossed his face, and he lowered his voice.
“We’ll talk about this at home p>
“There’s nothing to discuss. The money’s already been transferred. Are you suggesting I take it back p>
He grabbed my wrist, his voice urgent.
“You know I’m up for tenure. This is a sensitive time. People will misunderstand p>
“Misunderstand what? That I have more money than I know what to do with? Or that the great Professor Montgomery needs his wife to advance his career p>
He took a sharp breath, suppressing his anger.
“It’s good that you want to fund a scholarship, but could you at least think about my position first p>
I stared at him.
Suddenly, I felt exhausted.
“Ethan. What exactly is your position? Or are you not afraid of the scholarship—you’re afraid your star student will get the wrong idea p>
His pupils shrank.
“What are you talking about? Chloe, can you stop seeing the worst in people p>
I nodded slowly.
“Fine, Ethan. If you’re not in the wrong, then prove it p>
Before he could respond, I turned to leave. Sarah hurried after me.
“Chloe, I’ll drive you p>
In the car, she cursed as she drove.
“Is Ethan blind? That girl is all over him, and he still thinks he’s just being a good professor p>
My phone vibrated.
[Chloe, we need to talk p>
I didn’t reply. Moments later, another message came.
[What can I say to make you believe we’re completely innocent? She even wants to apologize to you in person p>
I never expected he would actually bring Lila to our house to apologize.
After returning from the homecoming event, I’d decided to stay with my parents for a while.
My mom was helping me pack when Ethan showed up with Lila.
As soon as they stepped inside, Lila’s eyes reddened.
“Chloe, there’s really nothing between Professor Montgomery and me. Please don’t misunderstand him p>
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