The university issued a clear statement: Carlson''s academic standing would remain unaffected by the whistleblowing incident.


    He was free to choose a new advisor in line with his research interests, and the administration promised to actively mediate, offering both parties opportunities tomunicate and coordinate.


    The second point addressed the incident where a graduate student, with ties to Edna, had swapped another group''s project report during apetition. After a thorough investigation, the allegations were confirmed.


    The individuals involved were removed from their posts, and the graduate student, Miss Moore, was expelled immediately.


    Thirdly, during the course of the investigation, the university uncovered evidence that Edna had epted bribes during admissions. The student implicated in this matter, Hertha Sherwood, was also expelled.


    Finally, the administration expressed deep regret and sincere apologies for Edna Moore''s gross academic misconduct and the resulting negative impact on the university''s reputation.


    They solemnly pledged to learn from this incident, conduct aprehensive review, close any loopholes, and improve their processes, reaffirming theirmitment to upholding a healthy academic environment and a culture of integrity.


    ...


    "Who... who are you people?" ter stood frozen in his office as a group of strangers barged in, swiftly packing upputers and files.


    Hertha Sherwood rushed forward, blocking their path. "Do you even know where you are? How dare you just barge in here?!"


    "This is Edna''s office, isn''t it?"


    "At least you know that much!"


    "Keep moving!" the lead investigator barked.


    Hertha''s eyelid twitched. "What do you think you''re doing?! Who gave you permission to touch this? Only our research team has ess-these are confidential documents! If you damage or leak anything, can you take responsibility—?”


    She reached out to grab a box, but one of the investigators stepped in, unfazed.


    "You''re Edna''s student, right? We''re the university''s investigationmittee. We''re here to collect these materials as evidence. Please step aside and don''t interfere with our work."


    "Investigationmittee?" Hertha faltered.


    Just then, ter, glued to his phone, let out an rmed shout. "Come look at this! How could this happen? This can''t be real!"


    Hertha hurried over. On ter''s phone screen was the university''s second official announcement, posted just half an hour earlier.


    "I-I''ve been expelled?" Hertha stammered.


    ter scrolled through the statement five times from top to bottom, finally confirming his own name wasn''t mentioned.


    He let out a long, relieved sigh-he''d made it through unscathed!


    "No... no way... I don''t believe it... On what grounds can they expel me? The things Edna did have nothing to do with me! Why are they punishing me?!"


    The investigators had already looked into Hertha''s background in detail, right down to the gifts she''d given Edna and the questionable way she''d gained admission to grad school.


    "Nothing to do with you?" one of themittee members shot back, frowning. "Think carefully about how you got your ce in this program before you answer."


    "Other students earned their spots at


    this university through merit. What about you? You know the answer. All of Edna''s research projects are suspended, and every faculty member and student connected to


    her is under thorough investigation."


    "We don''t punish the innocent, but we won''t let a single wrongdoer slip through the cracks, either."


    With that, the group left, carrying boxes of evidence.


    Hertha stumbled back and copsed onto the floor, powerless.


    ter had been panicking, too, but seeing Hertha fall apart made him feel strangely reassured.


    As long as someone else was worse off than him, he wasn''t the unluckiest in the room.


    He nced at the dazed Hertha, still sitting on the floor. "Uh... I just remembered I have somewhere to be. I''ll leave you to it."


    And with that, he slipped out without another word.


    The Sherwood Residence-


    Hertha wandered home in a daze and pushed open the door.


    "Hey! Hertha, why didn''t you take off your shoes?" Beverley called out as she noticed her daughter, her face still covered in a beauty mask and a serum applicator in her hand.


    Hertha ignored her and trudged upstairs.


    Beverley frowned. "Stop right there—"


    Hertha paused on the staircase.


    "The shipment of caviar and smoked


    salmon from London arrived today. I picked out the best ones and packed them into a gift box. Tomorrow, you''ll bring them as a thank you gift for Ms. Edna."


    "...That''s not necessary."


    difficult.


    "Don''t be difficult. I''m telling you to go, so just go. Don''t think that


    getting into grad school means you can stop maintaining


    rtionships-your sess still depends on her approval! A little gift never hurts. Just look at the bird''s nest and bracelets we sent before..."