“What misunderstanding?” Jeremy snorted. “If I hadn’t come here to sign a contract, I wouldn’t have made this trip, and it would have spared me from your wild imaginations. Every time you see me standing with a female classmate, you start making up romantic gossip!”
“I am extremely busy with research and do not have the time to respond to such vulgar rumors,” Jeremy stated with finality.
Josie nodded and said, “You are correct. It is indeed inadvisable to listen to such vulgar rumors excessively, as frequent exposure may impair intelligence. Although we, as medical professionals, are dedicated to treating illnesses and saving lives, we cannot alter a person’s intelligence.”
“That is indeed the case. The saying ‘rumors stop with the wise’ is not without reason,” Joseph suddenly spoke up. “Professor Jeremy, allow me to escort you out so as not to take up any more of your valuable time.”
Jeremy turned to Delilah with a gentle look and said, “I will not work overtime tonight and will prepare steak for dinner this evening. Come home on time for dinner.”
“Dad, hurry up and go. I guarantee I’ll bring Mom back tonight!” Claire waved him away, speaking before Delilah could.
Jeremy shot her a glare. “You talk too much. I am speaking with your mother. Why are you interrupting?”
“I got it, I got it! Hurry back!” Delilah waved him off.
When Claire addressed Jeremy as her dad, the expressions of the onlookers had changed. The fact that Claire was Jeremy’s daughter cemented the explanation that Delilah is Jeremy’s wife. When Josie joined Delilah’s team, she had joined the same team as Claire and Sean. Given the nature of their relationship, it would be impossible for Josie to have an improper relationship with Jeremy. Unless she was insane, such a situation could not occur.
As soon as Jeremy left, Delilah’s expression turned cold. “You have all seen Jeremy, haven’t you? Why are you still here? Are you waiting for the school to discipline you?”
The onlookers exchanged glances, not daring to utter another word. They understood that Josie was giving them a way out. If they were to confront Jeremy directly and publicly fabricate rumors about a renowned professor like him, it would be difficult for them to avoid disciplinary action. The group dispersed in a noisy confusion.
Allison and Adeline, however, did not relinquish their hold on the girl.
“Josie, how should we handle this person?” Adeline asked.
Josie pointed toward the Department of Student Affairs and said, “Hadley and his team are waiting for us. Let’s head over now.”
When the girl saw what happened, her face turned pale with fear. “Josie, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things about you. Please forgive me. I promise I won’t spread rumors about you again.”
“It’s not about speaking ill of me,” Josie shook her head. “You still don’t understand the situation.”
Allison pushed the girl into the office of the Department of Student Affairs. “Fine, if you don’t want to talk, then don’t. Weren’t you acting all arrogant just now, insulting our Josie? Go on, keep insulting now!”
The girl glanced at Delilah, her earlier bluntness now entirely gone.
Sean stopped Josie just as she was about to step into the Department of Student Affairs and asked, “Are you alright?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? They’re the ones with issues!” Josie lifted her chin, as if she were not the one gossiped about everywhere at all.
Sean felt a heartache so strong that it was near suffocating. He could only imagine the kind of pain Josie had endured to be able to face such slander with such a carefree attitude.
“You need not concern yourself with subsequent matters. Leave them to me. I assure you that, regardless of who is acting against you behind the scenes, they will be made to bear the appropriate consequences,” Sean said as he held Josie’s wrist gently and lightly caressed it.
‘He must be feeling sorry for me because he was too kind,’ Josie thought. This sensation was peculiar, bringing a gentle warmth to her heart and making her feel a bit soft. Still, when facing those who had hurt her, she found it most satisfying to do it herself.
“I know who it is. I want to handle this myself. Thank you.” Josie gently pulled Sean’s hand away and lightly patted the back of it, as if to reassure him. As she spoke, she slightly tilted her head upward and smiled at him. The smile was undeniably sweet, yet he could discern a hint of bitterness within it.