Chapter 27: Stripped of Choice

The department chair hesitated, adjusting his glasses before speaking. “Well, as you know, biochemistry is a very broad and complex field. If someone lacks strong willpower, they might… stray down the wrong path.”

“We’ve never had a student with a criminal record in this program before, and considering that you’re still on probation…”

“The school administration discussed it and ultimately decided that it would be best for you to transfer back to the literature department.”

“The literature department is excellent, and it’s more suited for girls. Given your current situation, don’t you think it’s a better fit?”

Sierra stopped listening. Her entire body turned cold. Because she had been to prison, she didn’t even have the right to choose her own major? She didn’t even know how she walked out of the department chair’s office.

In a daze, she returned to the classroom to collect her things. The room was noisy, but the moment she entered, it fell silent. Watching her pack up, someone muttered, “Finally, she’s leaving.” “We won’t have to share a class with a… well, with someone who’s been to prison.”

After Jonathan’s last lecture, no one dared to say the word “murderer” out loud anymore. Sierra acted as if she hadn’t heard any of it, mechanically gathering her belongings. Her thoughts were a mess. The decision had come so suddenly. She didn’t know if the school genuinely had these concerns or if someone had intervened. Thinking of how the Xander family had conveniently disappeared these past few days, she pressed her lips together.

Once she finished packing, she left the classroom. She was about to call Bradley to confirm whether they had anything to do with this when she looked up and saw Evan standing outside the door. He didn’t look surprised at all, as if he had expected this outcome.

“Let’s go. I know the faculty over there. I’ll introduce you so they can take care of you,” he said indifferently.

Sierra’s expression turned cold. “Was this your doing?”

Evan froze for a second before his face darkened. He had even planned to make sure the literature professors looked out for her so she wouldn’t be ostracized again. Sierra didn’t respond, but the look in her eyes said everything. They had already forced her to take the blame for Denise before. Transferring her out of the program was hardly a big deal.

Evan seemed to realize the same thing. His expression turned uncomfortable, but more than anything, he looked frustrated. He clenched his jaw and said, “It wasn’t me.” After a pause, he added, “Dad’s back.”

Sierra raised an eyebrow. So this was menih klin’s doing?

At the hospital, Franklin frowned as he looked at Denise, who had clearly lost weight. His expression was grim. “What’s going on? How did Denny end up suffering like this?” “And who let her out early?” His anger was directed at his eldest son. He was already displeased that Bradley had brought Sierra back on his own. The moment he returned and found out his precious daughter had been hospitalized, he immediately assumed Sierra was to blame. “I’ve said it before. Denny is my only daughter.” Even Bradley found those words too harsh. He suddenly thought of Sierra. He couldn’t imagine how she would feel hearing something like that.

Sierra, however, felt nothing. She simply stared at Evan. “So this was Mr. Xander’s decision?”

“Dad is doing this for your own good. This major doesn’t suit you, and you—” Evan dodged the question, rambling on. But Sierra cut him off sharply. “Just tell me. Yes or no?”

Evan couldn’t meet her gaze. His eyes darted around before he finally clenched his teeth and nodded. “Yes, but—” Before he could say anything else, Sierra had already turned and walked away.

By the time she stepped out of the school gates, her hands were still trembling. For her own good? It didn’t suit her? They were always so self-righteous, always making decisions for her. She had planned to endure these last three months quietly, then leave and never deal with the Xander family again. But they just had to push her. If that was how they wanted to play it, fine. No one was going to have it easy.

She hailed a cab and went straight to the lab. For the next two days, Sierra didn’t go back to the Xander family’s house. Bradley called her several times, but every call went unanswered. “Still no word from Sierra?” Eleanor asked, clearly worried. Bradley shook his head. Evan had told him that she seemed really angry that day.