Her research was suddenly sponsored?
Iyana stood in the department lounge, one hand pressed to her waist. She blinked at the sheet listing new grant recipients. Her name was there.
"Still can't believe it?"
Prof. Arthur Rodel gave a dry chuckle.
Her lips curved faintly. This was three days after the announcement. No investor changed their mind this late. Hah. Even miracles found girls with nothing.
Her other arm crossed, supporting the elbow that held the paper.
"I thought mine was too fancy for these people."
"Self-healing materials are the future, not just theory," Arthur said. "It's a good investment." He adjusted his spectacles, eyes skimming her work. "Everything begins with theory."
Then he looked at her.
"Lucky you. The funds came just in time. It's from the Plaridel Business Club."
Her eyes flickered.
Plaridel?
She hadn't heard that name before.
Arthur continued, calm as ever.
"The money went to our department. A big donation. Not just for you—for our top students. Plaridel runs charities. Free clinics, schools, libraries, hospitals. They donate when it suits them."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
At least donations weren't bound by contracts.
"Thanks, Prof," she said.
"I'll work harder."
The door opened. A small group of professors entered, voices hushed. Likely Frias again.
"Arthur, our schedule for next semester will be finalized," said Prof. Agatha Din.
Petite, bob-cut, strict. Frail legs, loud voice. Everyone feared her.
"I will, yes," Arthur replied.
Prof. Din turned to Iyana.
"Miss Jiran. We need to talk. Now."
...
INSIDE Din's office, students waited on wooden benches. Some frowned, some slouched. Iyana recognized them—mostly top science and math majors. She knew their surnames: Sorano, the best in math.
Din sat between them. Iyana to her right. The rest opposite.
"We all know what happened to Prof. Frias," Din began. "We don't want it repeated. His integrity is questionable. His close ties with students are being investigated."
Iyana kept her face blank. Expected.
"And I'm one of them?" Sorano asked tightly.
"There's an ongoing investigation," Din said calmly. "A few were caught receiving grades in exchange for rankings. Naturally, your case is being reviewed."
"Prof, that's unfair," Sorano said. "Yes, I was close to him. But my grade is mine."
A boy muttered beside her.
Iyana's lips curved. Strange to punish by association alone.
"The department has decided to hold an exam for students under suspicion," Din said.
Iyana almost laughed.
A trap.
"That's a good idea," she said coolly. "What bothers me is this: the smart ones are punished, but the families who paid them are not. Or are they?"
Din's jaw tightened.
"We've not yet established who these families are."
"So students are punished before the facts," Iyana said, voice low, edged.
Din fell silent as grumbling rose. Then she fixed on Iyana.
"I know this is stressful. You are one of Mizuri's prides. But Frias's ties cannot be ignored."
"Then say that to my department chair," Iyana replied.
Din's eyes flickered.
"With respect, I no longer trust the mathematics department," Iyana said. "Frias proved why. If there is to be an exam, my department must be informed."
The students nodded quietly. Some guilty, some not. But they all knew she was right.
...
NOW ALONE, Din sneered. The Angs had been reckless. She recalled Iyana leaving before dismissal, sharp as always. What was Jaime thinking, involving top students?
Her phone buzzed. She answered.
"Yes?"
A pause.
Her expression stilled.
"What?… I see. Alright."
She set the phone down, thumb brushing her chin. The Angs and their allies wouldn't like this. Orders had come from above: do not touch Iyana Jiran. No reason given.
Her lips thinned. Something out there was waiting, patient. Better not to provoke it.
Her phone buzzed again. She answered quickly.
"Hello, Madam. Yes. The higher-ups called. Plaridel is interested in Iyana Jiran. Yes, from the Borza. They seem to be in contact—"
The line went dead.
Din ground her teeth.
She hated working for idiots.
*