Presley had been subtly nudging David to dial it back during their chat. Causing a scene in front of the whole association wouldn''t do anyone any favors. But David, well, he just didn''t catch on and kept pushing.


    Meanwhile, Mirabe had just finished her exam and was heading off campus when she saw David''s call. She popped in her earbuds and answered.


    David''s voice came through, a bit shaky, "Hey, Mirabe, you''re free now, right?" Mirabe rubbed her forehead and gave a soft, nomittal hum in reply.


    Ignoring the curious nces from the other deputy chairs, David quickly filled her in on the day''s events. "Could you swing by now?"


    Mirabe stopped in her tracks, surprised by the drama unfolding. After a moment''s thought, she agreed, "Sure, send me the location. I''ll head over."


    David exhaled in relief, sent her the location, and then looked around. His usual calm demeanor was reced with seriousness as he addressed the room of pharmacists and members. "In twenty minutes, the real creator of this medicine will be here. The truth will out."


    Conrad''s face fell, his mind spinning. If the person David mentioned showed up, his results would be voided, and his reputation in the association would be shot. He might even get kicked out.


    Panicked, Conrad nced at his mentor, Presley, who was seething. Presley had been so proud of him, even going as far as swapping ingredients to give him an edge in the assessment. But now, knowing Conrad had used someone else''s work, he was furious.


    Taking a deep breath, Presley turned to David, "President, surely you could—"


    But David cut him off, "It''s all about fairness and justice."


    Presley was left speechless.


    David didn''t bother checking Presley''s reaction. Instead, he turned to Paul beside him. "Looks like I''ve given you something tough about today."


    Paul shook his head, his pipe in hand, "Not at all." He was craving a smoke but held back.


    David sighed and changed the topic, chatting for a bit before remembering, "By the way, you''re heading home soon. When do you think you''ll be back?"


    Paul thought for a moment and answered, "At least ten days, maybe up to two weeks."


    "That long?" David was concerned about the herb base.


    "Yeah, the travel isn''t easy," Paul paused, then reassured him, "Don''t worry. I''ve shown your guys at the base everything. They''ll handle it."


    David rxed a bit, "Leaving in such a rush, everything okay? If you need anything, just let me know."


    Paul smiled warmly, "Thanks, but it''s just a family member who''s sick. I need to go check on them."