Professor Wright's gaze remained fixed on me, a thousand unspoken questions passing between us. My heart hammered in my chest as I gave him the slightest nod—permission to reveal what I'd kept hidden for so long.
"Victoria," he said finally, his voice measured and deliberate. "I'm not sure what's amusing about facts."
Victoria's smug smile faltered. "I'm sorry, Professor?"
"Facts, Ms. Mercer." Professor Wright stepped closer to our circle, his expression stern. "Elara Dubois is indeed Dr. Wilson."
The silence that followed was absolute. I could practically hear the collective intake of breath.
"That's... that's impossible," Victoria stammered, looking frantically around the room for support.
Caleb cleared his throat. "Professor, with all due respect, Dr. Wilson has been publishing groundbreaking research since—"
"Since Elara's freshman year," Professor Wright finished for him. "Yes, I'm quite aware. I was her mentor, after all."
