Depraved Professor

Chapter 8: "Using compromising material?"

I'm sitting in my room, looking at the stack of papers and files that Jane gave me. Dirt on Harris… I have the power to destroy his career and reputation. But is it worth it?

My mind is whirling with thoughts: on the one hand, I want to see Harris defeated, because he has hurt me and others so many times. On the other hand, I am tormented by doubts. What's next for me? Can I go on living knowing that I've ruined someone else's life?

I can imagine how I can use compromising information… You can imagine different scenarios. For example, an intimate setting where I suddenly reveal my cards and put Harris in front of the fact that his dark secrets will become public. The thought sends a shiver through me, a mixture of fear and excitement.

But questions immediately pop up: and then what? How will this affect my life, my relationship with David, my relationship with Sarah? After all, even though Sarah supports me, her views on what is happening may be very different when it comes to extreme measures.

In the evening, I decide to discuss it with David. We meet in a secluded corner of the university garden.

"David," I say, squeezing his hand nervously, " I have some dirt on Harris. Jane wants to make it public, but I'm not sure if that's the right thing to do...

David looks at me seriously.

"Emily, you must understand that this can have serious consequences. Not just for Harris, but for you. Are you sure you're ready for this?

— I do not know, " I admit. "On the one hand, Harris deserves to be punished. On the other hand ... I'm afraid of what might happen next.

David gently strokes my hand.

— You must decide for yourself. But remember that you are not alone. I'll be there for you no matter what you choose.

His words calm me down a little, but I still have my doubts. I understand that the decision should be mine, and many things in my life depend on it.

At night, lying in bed, I go over and over the possible scenarios in my head. I can imagine Harris losing everything, and others finding out the truth about his actions. But at the same time, I see my own fears: judgment from some people, possible threats from Harris, breaking up with those who don't understand what I did.

And I also find myself thinking that deep down I wish that everything would be solved somehow differently, without such drastic measures. But at the same time, I know that Harris won't leave me alone until I put him in his place.

The next day, I meet Jane again. She looks at me impatiently.

— So, are you ready to go all the way?"

I hesitate, looking into her eyes. They are full of determination and a desire for revenge. And in mine-doubts and fear.

"I don't know yet," I say honestly. — I need more time to sort myself out.

Jane purses her lips, but nods.

— good. But remember, Harris doesn't doze off. The longer you wait, the more time he has to hurt you.

Her words make me wince. I understand that time is really working against me. But am I ready for what's coming?

This dilemma haunts me. It's like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff, looking down, and I don't know if I should take a step forward. After all, I don't know what awaits me there, in the depths...

However, I feel that the solution is already somewhere close. It is growing in me, and soon I will have to voice it. But for now, I'm still thinking, weighing the pros and cons.

And every time I close my eyes, I see Harris's face-domineering, cold, with the faintest hint of mockery. That face seems to push me to a decision, making me realize that one way or another, the confrontation must end. And soon.

The days pass slowly, and with each new morning, the pressure from Harris becomes more palpable. He seems to sense my doubts and decides to speed things up, break me mentally.

At one of the lectures, Harris calls me to the blackboard. His eyes are piercing, and there's a barely concealed threat in his voice.

- Emily, tell us how you see the development of the topic of our course.

I stand at the blackboard, feeling the eyes of my classmates on me, and try to collect my thoughts. But in my head-only a whirlwind of emotions and fear.

— I-I think we should go deeper into some aspects, " I begin, hesitantly.

Harris interrupts sharply.

— "Study more deeply?" And how, may I ask, do you propose to do this?

His tone is icy, and his eyes are mocking. I can feel myself blushing, but I try to keep my voice steady.

— We can analyze additional sources, expand the list of references...

- Additional sources? Harris tilts his head to the side. — Do you think you're smarter than I am, Emily?" Do you think I didn't take into account all possible sources?

A slight murmur ripples through the audience. I can feel my hands shaking, but I answer anyway.

— I'm just suggesting that you expand your horizons, Professor.

Harris narrows his eyes.

"Expand your horizons, then?" Well, let's see how ready you are to go all the way.

After the lecture, he stops me in the classroom.

"Emily, I want you to understand that your confrontation with me is not going to lead to anything good.

He moves closer, and I can't help but step back. His proximity is both frightening and disturbing.

"You're a talented student," Harris continues, " but your stubbornness can cost you dearly.

I look into his eyes, trying not to show my fear.

"I know my rights, Professor. And I won't let anyone break them.

Harris smiles, and there's something sinister about it.

"Oh, you'll see what I can do, Emily.

In the evening, I share my experiences with David:

"He's pushing me, David. In every lecture, in every word, there is a threat.

David puts his arm around me, trying to calm me down.

"You're not alone, Emily. I'll be there to help you through this.

But deep down, I know that the confrontation is just beginning. Harris won't stop until he breaks me. And I ... I must find the strength to resist him to the end.

Over the next few days, Harris starts spreading rumors, hinting at my incompetence and even my personal shortcomings. In the corridors of the university, I catch curious and judgmental glances. But every time I'm ready to give up, thinking about David and how I'm doing it for justice gives me strength.

One day Harris finds me in the library:

"Emily, maybe we can find some common ground after all. his voice is almost soft, but there's steel in his eyes. — I can be generous to those who know how to obey.

I lift my chin.

"Obey you?" No, thanks. I prefer to go my own way.

Harris leans toward me, his breath burning my cheek.

— You'll regret this, Emily. Sooner or later, you will have to make a choice.

I turn away, feeling my stomach shake with fear and anger at the same time. But I'm determined not to back down.

However, the pressure is getting stronger every day. I'm starting to doubt it: will I be able to withstand this onslaught? But then I remember David saying, " You're not alone." And it gives me the strength to go further.

However, I understand that the denouement is close. And it is not known what this confrontation will lead to...

Every day becomes a challenge. Harris ' pressure continues unabated, and I know it's time to act decisively. We need to collect evidence of his wrongdoing in order to put an end to his influence once and for all.

I start following his every move, recording suspicious moments, looking for witnesses. In the library and in lectures, I try to capture the smallest details that can help me. But every day I feel the tension growing.

One day I find some old documents in the university archive that might be useful. They contain hints of strange financial transactions and questionable decisions related to Harris. My heart is beating faster: is this really what I need?

But the fear doesn't leave me either. I know that Harris is dangerous and will stop at nothing to protect his interests. Every time I go to the archive or talk to possible witnesses, I feel on edge.

In the evening, I share my findings with David:

— I found some documents in the archive. I think they might be useful, " I say, setting the papers on the table.

David studies them carefully.

— It might really help, but you have to be careful. Harris won't let this go unnoticed.

I nod.

— I know. But I have to do it. I can't live in fear anymore.

Over the next few days, I continue to gather evidence, but I feel my fears intertwined with my desires. On the one hand, I want to expose Harris, on the other hand, I'm afraid of the consequences. Sometimes I feel like I'm walking on thin ice, and one wrong move can cost me too much.

One day, while walking through the corridors of the university, I accidentally overhear a conversation between two students. They discuss strange incidents involving Harris-hints of his unprofessional behavior and even some immoral acts.

I decide to find these students and talk to them in person. After several days of searching, I manage to find them:

— I heard you talking, " I say carefully. — Did you actually encounter anything suspicious about Harris?"

One of the students looks at me in disbelief, but after some coaxing, they share their stories. Their words are further proof that Harris is far from perfect.

With each new fact, I can feel my resolve growing. But with that comes the fear: what if Harris finds out about my research? What will he do then?

At night, lying in bed, I imagine different scenarios for the development of events. In my fantasy, David and I work together to expose Harris, and justice is served. But deep down, I know that reality can be much more violent and unpredictable.

Nevertheless, I am determined to go all the way. By gathering all the evidence, I can finally put an end to his power. But while the path to victory seems long and thorny...

Still, I'm ready for the challenge. For the sake of my future, for the sake of justice, I must follow this path to the end. Even if you have to face the darkest aspects of life and your own fears.