News
Storytelling

Professor Said Mathematicians Failed 50 Years — But Truant Freshman Girl Cracked It in Class

Professor Said Mathematicians Failed 50 Years — But Truant Freshman Girl Cracked It in Class

Chapter 24

Theme:
Font Size:
24px
"That's not true," Ren said. "I worked that out myself, in front of the entire class.""That's precisely the concern," Dean Whitlow said. "An unusually advanced solution appearing without warning from a student with an inconsistent attendance record. It raises questions.""My attendance has nothing to do with this!""It has everything to do with credibility, Miss Hartman. I'm sorry, but we have to take this seriously." Dean Whitlow's voice softened just slightly. "For what it's worth, I don't enjoy this part of the job.""Then don't do it," Ren said, quieter now, more desperate than accusing."I have to follow the process," Dean Whitlow said. "The process exists to protect everyone—including you, if you're telling the truth."Ren's hands had gone cold."There will be a formal hearing," the dean continued. "It will be held the same day as the symposium, so the full academic committee can be present in one place. Three days from now.""Three days," Ren repeated quietly, the number landing somewhere heavy in her chest."Until then, you're suspended from Professor Ridgeway's course, pending review.""And my notebook?" Ren said, voice shaking now. "The one they took a photo of? That's not evidence of anything. That's my grandfather's.""We'll need to examine it," Dean Whitlow said, "as part of the investigation. I'm sorry, but it will need to be held by the department for now.""He's dead," Ren said. "It's the only thing of his I have left."For the first time, Dean Whitlow's composed expression cracked, just slightly, genuine discomfort showing through. "I understand this is difficult," she said. "I promise you it will be returned, one way or another, once this is resolved."
PREV NEXT

News in the same category

Professor Said Mathematicians Failed 50 Years — But Truant Freshman Girl Cracked It in Class

45 Part