"I agree to what you said earlier," Max leaned back on the car seat, "When Ella is kicked out of the university, I will be there for her. I will overlook all the mistakes she has made in the past and give her another chance."
Esther was silent for a while before she spoke with hesitation, "But, what about your engagement with Ruby...?"
"The marriage with Ruby won’t change. And Ella can be my mistress. These two things don’t clash together."
"B-Brother-in-law, I feel upset that you cannot marry my sister legally and give her a proper status... But this is good, this is good. At least, she gets to be with you. I know you will protect her and cherish her... I am happy for sister..."
After a pause, the girl added in a low voice, "I will soon let you know how things turn out around here."
Two days later, the Imperial University was unexpectedly chaotic as students expected their results.
Alongside, there was another bizarre experience that was going on. In the university forums, students had started a poll.
The poll was initially unpopular but by the day of result, it was one of the trending topics.
’Who will win the bet, Professor Jenny or Ella Yu?’
There was a lot of hustle and bustle about who, amongst the two, will leave the university.
And as expected of them, almost 99.9% votes went in support of Professor Jenny, the elite lady, daughter of the dean, the classy and beautiful persona.
As for the 0.1% who voted for Ella could be counted on one hand, with probably two fingers. When Ruby came across the post, she voted for Ella quietly.
And the other person was Kade who voted for her. Out of peer-pressure (or brother-pressure).
In one distant building of the Imperial university, Professor Grimwood stepped out of the elevator on the topmost floor and entered the office at the end of the hallway.
The moment Professor Grimwood stepped inside, a grim voice sounded from the distance.
The swivel chair was facing the other direction and Professor Grimwood couldn’t see his face, "It’s because of the results..."
"Has the university not declared any results before?" The swivel chair turned around, revealing a man who seemed to be in his 60s.
White hair streaked across his forehead, coiffed to perfection and his posture was straight.
"Father, I have already told you about the situation before," Professor Grimwood sighed, visibly a little helpless.
The old man was not other than the founder and chairman of Imperial university, Chairman William Caine.
Chairman Caine scoffed, "It just involves a little girl. I thought you could deal with it."
Professor Grimwood took a seat when his father pointed his chin, "The girl is a good seedling...’’
The old man did not comment on it, "I will leave it in your hands to handle. But remember not to overstep your boundaries as a professor..."
"Years ago, when you joined this university, I offered you a position of power but you chose to teach students. When you made that choice, I told you that your duty as the professor will be to show them the path, not hold their hands and lead them through it."
Professor Grimwood remained silent.
"The university is not a clean place. Nowhere is. I know the intricacies that go on but you must know where to draw a line."
"I understand, father..." Professor Grimwood said after a while as he poured some tea for the man.
The atmosphere in the office settled a beat.
Professor Grimwood spoke up, "Has Uncle King been enjoying himself?"
Hearing of his friend, Chairman Caine laughed heartily, "That old man has really made himself comfortable at my place. I am telling you just because he has a capable grandson, he has been quite laid back..."
A voice sounded from the entrance of the room.
Both father and son turned around, watching a tall old man stride in, one hand stroking his board while his other hand was tucked in his pockets.
The man strode in with a straight posture, his regal aura unmistakable.
Chairman Caine froze, "What are you doing here, Cal?"
Callahan King narrowed his eyes and looked at the old man condescendingly, "If I didn’t come here today, how would I have heard you badmouthing me?"
"Cough... I was just saying," Chairman Caine looked guilty.
"Forget it, considering the hearty meal I had at your place today, I will let you off," Old Master King looked away from the old man.
Coughing twice, Professor Grimwood stood up,"Uncle."
"Smile up a little," Old Master King frowned, "You look even more stern than the last time I saw you."
Professor Grimwood forced a smile on his face, "Uncle, what brings you here today? Is there anything I can help you with?"
Hearing that, Old Master King fell silent for a while, "I indeed came with a purpose."
The father-son duo looked at Old Master King with an inquiring gaze.
"A purpose? What purpose?" Seeing the look on his friend’s face, Chairman Caine could barely contain himself.
If his friend was interested in something, it must not be something ordinary. And his life has been boring lately so he could not wait to get to the bottom of this matter.
Old Master King stood a little straighter and stroked his beard gently, "I am here to meet my grandson’s girlfriend."
"Kade...?" Out of the very few people who knew about Kade’s real identity, not as a branch member of the King family but the younger son of the main branch, Professor Grimwood was one, "But uncle, he seems to be occupied with his academics lately... for some reason."
Who in their circle did not know about Old Master King’s sore spot? He wanted his grandsons to get married, have children... Yet for years and years, things have remained dry.
The elder grandson was a workaholic and the younger was an alcoholic... cough... troublemaker.
Could it be that it was some new trick of his to please his grandfather?
"Not Kade, I am talking about Adrian."
The office room turned dead silent.