Evelyn spoke from the heart.

During her freshman year, she had found this major dull and tedious.

It wasn't until she attended Professor Lowell's class that she found her direction.

Professor Lowell was her guide.

Her words were firm and powerful, instantly silencing the office.

Both Professor Lowell and the dean turned to look at her.

The dean frowned deeply. "Nonsense!"

Just as Evelyn was about to reveal her identity, Daniel stepped in front of her. "She's right! Without pioneers like our professor, would Dr. Nan even exist?"

His voice boomed. "New energy only emerged in recent years, but our professor has researched this field for over two decades! Without his and other pioneers' foundational work, where would today's achievements be? Dean, your words were unfair! Even if Dr. Nan were here, he would respectfully call our professor a senior!"

The dean fell silent, glancing at the students by the door.

They were all graduate students mentored by Professor Lowell, each now looking indignant.

The dean cleared his throat. "My words were indeed inappropriate. But Dr. Nan's status in the industry is unshakable. That is undeniable. Dr. Nan alone can drive an entire R&D team and push the new energy field forward. So, Evelyn Ross, how could you steal his plans? It's absurd!"

Evelyn stated firmly, "I didn't."

The dean sneered. "The Vance Group has both witnesses and evidence. Your excuses are useless! Evelyn Ross, you came just in time, saving me the trouble of notifying you—you're expelled! I'll issue the announcement immediately. I won't let you tarnish the school's reputation!"

Professor Lowell was furious. "Dean, Evelyn has stated she didn't steal anything. The matter isn't fully investigated yet. Your reason for expelling her is invalid!"

The dean glanced at him. "This can't blow up. Otherwise, outsiders will think Dr. Nan can't tolerate a student. The reason for her expulsion is... disciplinary issues. Evelyn Ross, it has been verified that you were frequently late, left early, and skipped classes during your studies. Your usual performance scores are zero. Therefore, the school has decided to expel you!"

Evelyn was slightly taken aback.

They say a college experience isn't complete without skipping classes. Which college student hasn't skipped a few classes?

She did skip frequently. The专业课 content was too simple, so she simply didn't attend.

The teachers noticed she could score full marks on exams. Since usual performance didn't affect her final grades, they let it slide.

She never expected it would become the dean's weapon now...

Evelyn's eyes turned cold.

Professor Lowell trembled with anger. "You're utterly shameless! My stance remains: I won't sign this. Evelyn is my student. Without my signature, you can't expel her!"

The dean's face darkened. "Professor Lowell, you're truly stubborn. Since you won't cooperate with the school, I have no choice but to suspend you!"

Professor Lowell laughed in anger. "Suspend me then! Do you think I'm afraid?"

The dean smiled. "Professor Lowell, after your suspension, your six graduate students will have no advisor. What about their graduation defenses? Do you want them all to delay graduation?"

If graduate students fail their defenses, they must postpone graduation for a year.

Many unethical advisors deliberately hold students back, forcing them to delay year after year... In this situation, students are always the vulnerable party!

Professor Lowell froze. "You... you're despicable!"

The dean was using the graduate students to force him to sign...

The old professor, who had dedicated his life to research, didn't know how to curse. He could only stomp his feet in frustration.

His graduate students paled, looking at him anxiously.

The dean looked triumphant. "Professor Lowell, which is more important: one student or six? The choice is yours."

He pushed the expulsion form toward Professor Lowell. "Will you sign this or not?"

Professor Lowell clenched his fists.

He looked back at his graduate students...

Some had already secured jobs, waiting for their diplomas to start.

Some were engaged, planning weddings after graduation...

But he couldn't sign.

Black was black. White was white.

Just as he struggled to face his students, Evelyn walked to his side and whispered, "Are the school leaders here today?"

Professor Lowell smiled bitterly. "There's a conference in New York. The president and vice president are both there..."

Everyone who could restrain the dean was absent.

Evelyn lowered her gaze and suddenly chuckled. "Professor, go home and rest for a few days. We'll talk after they return..."

If she revealed her identity now, the dean could dismiss it as a "misunderstanding."

After all, no real harm was done.

But if the dean forced the old professor to suspend and targeted his graduate students... then revealing the truth would end the dean's career!!

Professor Lowell sighed deeply. He looked at his graduate students solemnly. "Don't worry. Even if suspended, I will appeal to the president and vice president when they return. I won't let any of you delay graduation."

Evelyn spoke. "Professor, consider it a short break. On Monday, I'll give you an answer."

The graduate students' expressions darkened.

They understood the professor's choice. He had always been fair and selfless.

But being implicated for no reason, with the instigator casually saying "take a break," left a bitter taste.

Daniel quickly pulled Evelyn aside. "Evelyn, if you don't know what to say, say less."

Evelyn: ?

She personally saw Professor Lowell home. On the way, he worried. "Evelyn, what will you do about the Vance Group? Dr. Nan's identity alone can crush you. Who will believe you? Sigh! A esteemed professor like him, why would he seize your plans?"

In Professor Lowell's view, if his genius student conflicted with Dr. Nan, Dr. Nan must be bullying the young and stealing Evelyn's research.

Unexpectedly, Evelyn smiled. "Professor, Dr. Nan didn't seize my plans."

Professor Lowell was stunned. "Then whose plans are they?"

"Mine."

Evelyn's tone was calm. "Or you could say they are Dr. Nan's."