Chapter 2

2.

The morning defense wrapped up, and I went back to the university president advisors' quarters.

But before long, a few uninvited guests came looking for me.

The university president, normally all authority and gravity, was now heaping praise on a man beside him.

"Academician Henson, this is the defense advisor you were looking for. Bernard Dickerson."

Asher stood next to him, jabbing a finger at me.

"Dad, this is the blind idiot who wouldn't pass my defense!"

At that, the man looked over at me.

The next instant, he froze.

Then he gave a cold laugh.

"I heard the medical world had a new star lately."

"Never guessed it was you. What a coincidence."

"You're the one who rejected my son's defense thesis?"

I raised my head.

Our eyes met, and in that instant the hatred I felt for the man who'd driven my brother to his death twenty years ago filled me completely.

But now wasn't the time to show my hand.

I said, flatly,

"That's right."

"Why?"

His gaze went dark.

I answered evenly,

"His thesis contains plagiarism."

Asher exploded at once.

"That's bullshit. When did I ever plagiarize? I wrote that thesis doing project experiments with my dad."

"You dare question me, you're questioning the entire medical world!"

I looked at Felix and laughed softly.

"Your son really is as shameless as you."

A cold light flickered in Felix's eyes.

"Young man, you'd do well to watch your mouth."

"Back then it was your brother who plagiarized me. Everyone knows that."

"Your brother was ruined long ago. You being able to stand here now, I'd guess he had a hand in it, didn't he?"

"For revenge?"

"Why doesn't he come himself?"

I looked at him coldly.

"A plagiarizing dog like you isn't fit to say my brother's name."

"And another thing. I failed your son because he isn't good enough. I'm his defense advisor. Whether he passes is my call, not yours to point fingers at."

At that, he couldn't hold back any longer, and his voice dropped low.

"You've got the nerve to talk to me like this? Not afraid I'll blacklist you across the field?"

By now the president had figured out what was going on.

He looked at me with something like reproach.

"Dickerson, I heard about your brother's plagiarism back then too. That case was settled a long time ago."

"I know it doesn't sit well with you, watching your own brother's name get dragged through the mud. But you can't abuse your position because of it."

"And Academician Henson is a titan of the medical world. You'd be wise to show some respect."

Then he turned to Felix, fawning.

"Academician Henson, don't be angry. Asher's thesis is so outstanding. I'll make sure the defense result is revised."

Felix flicked his sleeve and let out a cold snort.

"My son has been recognized by a panel of top international medical experts. This thesis is his last test. As long as he passes on the first try, he can go."

"You'd better change that result, or I'll make sure you can't survive in the medical world."

Then he leaned in close to my ear.

"Just like that useless brother of yours."

"Of course, if you pass my son, maybe I won't hold your brother's business against you. I might even throw some resources your way."

At that, the president shot me a quick warning look.

"Dickerson, your brother's business is all in the past. A person has to look forward. Academician Henson isn't holding it against you, he's even willing to give you resources. Hurry up and thank him."

Asher wore a cold sneer.

"New star, my ass. In front of my dad he's worth nothing."

I laughed lightly.

"You can make me say it ten thousand more times. His thesis contains plagiarism."

"No matter what, I will not pass Asher."

I looked at Felix.

"And you're in no position to lecture me."

At that, Felix's head snapped toward me, fury rising on his face.

"Luke Dickerson, is it? You really are as arrogant as your brother!"

"Don't believe me? One word from me and you won't have a single place left to stand."

Asher was just as brazen.

"My mom runs the most famous law firm there is. Fail me, and I'll ruin your name and put you behind bars too!"

Back then.

After my brother was harassed into suicide, the police had reopened their investigation into Felix.

But Juliana Pruitt, off the flimsiest scraps of evidence Felix had, didn't hesitate to stand at his side and defend him all over again.

Now, it seemed, her name carried even more weight than before.

Looking at the lot of them, I spoke calmly.

"This is a private lounge. If you keep barking in here, I can call the police for invasion of privacy."

"You piece of trash, who are you calling a dog!"

Asher lunged as if to hit me, but Felix held him back.

He stared at me. "I'll go through the legal channels. And I'm very curious to see how long you can hold out under public pressure."

With that, he coldly took Asher and left.