The Waitress With a PhD Who Silenced a Arrogant And Rude Billionaire
Chapter 34
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On March 15th, Camille woke early, her stomach in knots. Today was the day. After years of work, after everything she'd sacrificed and endured, today she would defend her dissertation and hopefully earn her doctorate.She dressed carefully in a maroon suit she'd bought specifically for this occasion: professional, but not stuffy. She wanted to look like the scholar she was.The defense was at 2:00 in the afternoon. Camille arrived at the university an hour early, reviewing her notes one last time. Her phone buzzed with messages:From Gloria:You're going to be wonderful, baby. I love you so much. From Bethany and James:Knock 'em dead, Dr. Johnson! From Theodore:I believe in you. Go show them what you're made of.At 1:50, Camille entered the defense room. Five professors sat at a long table, their expressions serious but not unkind. Professor Dubois smiled encouragingly from the center seat."Mademoiselle Johnson, welcome. We're ready when you are."Camille took a deep breath and began. She presented for 30 minutes, explaining her research methodology, her findings, her conclusions about how cultural trauma had reshaped Romance languages in post-war Europe. She spoke clearly and confidently, her French flawless, her arguments solid.When she finished, the questions began. They were challenging, probing, designed to test the depth of her knowledge. But Camille had prepared: she answered each one thoroughly, citing sources, offering examples, defending her positions.An hour later, the committee asked her to step outside while they deliberated. Camille paced the hallway, her heart pounding. Had she done enough? Were her answers sufficient?After 15 agonizing minutes, Professor Dubois opened the door. "Mademoiselle Johnson, please come in."Camille walked back into the room, her legs shaking. Professor Dubois was smiling."Congratulations, Dr. Johnson. Your defense was excellent. Welcome to the community of scholars."Camille's knees nearly buckled. "I passed?""You more than passed. Your work is exceptional. We're proud to award you your doctorate."Tears filled Camille's eyes. She'd done it. After everything, she'd actually done it. The professors stood and congratulated her one by one. When they left, Professor Dubois hugged her."You should celebrate, Dr. Johnson. You've earned it."Camille left the building in a daze. Outside, the sun was bright, the air warm. Paris looked more beautiful than ever.She called her mother first. Gloria answered on the first ring. "Well?""I'm Dr. Johnson now, Mama."Gloria's sob was immediate and joyful. "Oh, baby! I'm so proud of you! So, so proud!"They talked for ten minutes: Gloria crying happy tears, Camille laughing and crying, too. When they hung up, Camille called Theodore."How did it go?" he asked immediately."I did it. I'm officially Dr. Camille Johnson."Theodore let out a whoop so loud that people on the Paris street turned to look at Camille's phone. "That's amazing! I knew you would! I never doubted you for a second!"