Chapter 970 Two Birds at One Stone
It was tense in Ultan’s office. Professors were called here to discuss the withdrawal of investment.
Ultan listed all the possible situations for them and sat aside. A professor looked at the contract and frowned unpleasantly. “Five of our sponsors have decided to withdraw their investments. We’ll be in big trouble if they all leave. People would think Styre is doomed.”
He had a point. It would be catastrophic if a chain reaction were set into motion. Styre would be in trouble if sponsors followed each other and withdrew investment. Who would have thought it was all because they expelled Catherine?
As the principal of Styre, Ultan had thought about this, of course. He looked up at that professor. “What’s your advice then?”
That professor paused and then bitterly said, “Should we consider enrolling Catherine again? She definitely didn’t want to be expelled. We can say she apologizes for the mistake and has a great attitude.”
Someone objected immediately. “Styre is a century-old university. We would not compromise for a student.”
Then, the argument began again. Ultan looked at Marshall, who was so calm, and finally figured out why Marshall had voted to expel Catherine. Marshall had expected this from the beginning. He protected himself and won compliments by voting yes.
Many would say Marshall was a man of science and knew nothing apart from science. They thought he was as innocent as a three-year-old. Well, bullshit. Marshall was as sly as an old fox.
“Marshall, Catherine is your student. You must have something to say,” said Ultan. He would not allow Marshall to stay out of this while the rest of them were concerned.
Marshall hurriedly waved his hands, trying to dodge the bullet. “WAS. She WAS my student. I thought we had agreed she had no longer been my student since she was expelled. I won’t take the slander now. I have nothing to do with her!”
Unfortunately, Ultan didn’t believe a single word he said. He coldly glanced at Marshall and thought, ‘There’s no way you leave this mess to me alone.’
Sensing the warning in Ultan’s eyes, Marshall smiled awkwardly. “However, even though I have nothing to do with Catherine, I’m still a professor of Styre.
So, I have a proposal, and we can vote for this.”
Ultan raised one brow and looked at him. “Proceed.”
“We can’t eat our words and take Catherine back. It’ll make Styre a joke. But we can’t afford to lose any sponsors, either. It’ll affect all the experiments,” said Marshall.
People rolled their eyes at him. Cause he was basically repeating everything they had said.
Marshall continued with a smile, ” Don’t rush me. What I’m saying is, since we can’t take Cahtrine back as a student, how about we employ her as a specially engaged professor? We sign a contract with her. As soon as she returns, the sponsors will return as well. The relationship between Styre University and Catherine has turned into an employment agreement. We do not hold any responsibility. More importantly, we save Styre’s reputation.
Everyone was nodding after hearing Marshall’s proposal. Ultan sat aside, smiling. He found it funny to see them fooled around by Marshall. Marshall’s proposal seemed to solve the biggest problem for the university. But it also cleared the rumors for Catherine and upgraded her. There was a vast difference between a student and a specially engaged professor-two birds at one stone.
But he didn’t say anything because this was the only available solution. Besides, he trusted Catherine as much as Marshall did.
After voting, Marshall’s proposal was approved. When the result came out, Marshall said, “I voted no. You guys approved this proposal. Don’t ever blame me if things go south.”
Some had realized what Marshall was playing there. But to save Styre from trouble, they didn’t argue anymore.
Then, Marshall strutted out.
Marshall couldn’t wait to share this exciting news with Catherine. “
Catherine, congratulations! You are now a specially engaged professor at Styre. Are you happy?”
Catherine could only smile on the phone.
She wanted Marshall to stay out of this to save his reputation. But Marshall was too protective of her. It seemed like science was no longer the only thing he cared about.
“Professor Hartley, you shouldn’t get involved,” said Catherine.
Marshall laughed. “I have many students, but you are the only one that may make a difference in the world. I’m doing this for science.”
Catherine was silent. Her eyes were filled with mixed feelings. She had caused more trouble than benefit to Marshall ever since she got Styre. But Marshall had always taken good care of her like a father.
After a long while, Catherine said, gently and slowly, “Tnahks, Marshall.”
“You are welcome. I told my wife about what I did, and she said I deserved a good meal. So I’m heading home. I’ll see you around,” said Marshall.
Catherine looked at her broader and broader smile on the dark screen, feeling good for having somebody to defend her.
