Calvin''s voice came out sharp and usatory, like he wasunching right into an attack. Mirabe shot him a sideways nce, her gaze cool and detached, clearly not interested in engaging with his outburst.


    Seeing this, Calvin shook his head, exasperated. "Do you really think signing a partnership agreement gives you free rein to do whatever you please? This is the Tech Institute, not Prestige College. Do you have any clue about the consequences of rubbing someone the wrong way here?"


    "Mr. Calvin," Dr. King chimed in, clearly disapproving of Calvin''s harsh tone towards his student.


    Calvin nced at Dr. King. "You don''t understand... but never mind, I''m too tired to spell it out."


    With that, he turned on his heel and left, not sparing Mirabe a second look.


    The air was thick with awkwardness. Dr. King, noticing Mirabe didn''t seem the reckless type, cleared his throat and offered a short exnation. "Hank looked pretty upset when he came by earlier."


    Mirabe''s lips curled slightly. "So, because he''s in a mood, he needs someone to vent on?"


    Noticing the chill in her tone, Dr. King added, "There must be some


    misunderstanding. Don''t let it bother you. Now that the agreement is signed, let''s head back to the university."


    "I''m good, I''ll catch a ride with a friendter," Mirabe replied nonchntly.


    Dr. King paused, surprised. "A friend? Here at the Tech Institute?"


    Mirabe nodded slightly, offering no further details.


    Dr. King, skilled at reading people, had sensed from their first meeting that Mirabe had a presence about her-a calm confidence that set her apart from the typical student.


    He decided not to press further. "Alright then, take care."


    Mirabe gave a subtle nod.


    Shortly after, Dr. King left the lounge and stepped out of the building. Outside, Calvin was loitering by a trash can, smoking. Seeing Dr. King emerge alone, he frowned.


    Dr. King paid no mind to Calvin''s expression and casually mentioned that Mirabe wouldn''t be heading back with them.


    Calvin, snuffing out his cigarette in the proper spot, asked skeptically, "She ims to have friends here at the Tech Institute?"


    "Yes," Dr. King nodded.


    Calvin didn''t seem convinced. "She better not stir up any trouble. She came with us, and even if she has friends here, she should return with us."


    "Got something against your department''s students, Mr. Calvin?" Dr. King asked with a hint of amusement.


    Calvin smirked slightly. "Not really, just can''t stand those who let being a valedictorian go to their heads."


    Dr. King pped him on the shoulder. "A bit of pridees with being a genius. Let it go; it''s not worth the worry."


    Calvin was left momentarily speechless.


    Meanwhile, over in Dr. Ray''s office, Dane''s assistant had just finished drafting and printing the contract. He walked in, intending to hand it to Dane, but James snatched it up. "Pen."


    The assistant blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before grabbing a pen from the desk and handing it over to James.


    Without bothering to skim through the contract, James signed his name on thest page, the whole process taking less than ten seconds.


    Dane, holding the contract and eyeing the signature, was still in a bit of disbelief. The ease with which the contract was signed almost made it seem unreal.