Depraved Professor

Chapter 4: "Confrontation"

At Harris ' next lecture, the atmosphere in the audience is tense to the limit. I can feel the tension in the air, and I know that something inevitable is going to happen today.

Harris walks into the classroom, his gaze skimming over the faces of the students, and when it comes to rest on me, a shiver runs down my spine. His eyes seem to pierce right through me, and I feel my heart begin to beat faster.

The lecture begins, and Harris immediately takes the bull by the horns.

"Emily, I'd like to hear your opinion on the topic of today's lecture. What do you think about the role of emotions in scientific research?

I look up and meet his piercing gaze. I catch the challenge in his tone, and it spurs me to respond sharply.

— I believe that emotions can both enrich the study and distort its results. It all depends on the researcher's ability to control their feelings and remain objective.

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

"Interesting… But is absolute objectivity possible? Aren't we influenced by our desires and passions?

I answer, trying to keep my cool.

- Of course, we are people, not machines. But the scientist should strive to be as objective as possible. Emotions are part of us, but they don't have to dictate terms.

Harris leans forward, his voice quieter but steely.

— What if emotions aren't a weakness, but a strength?" What if they're what makes us real, alive?

I clench my fists, feeling my anger boil up inside. His words are like a challenge that I can't leave unanswered.

— Then why are you, Professor, so eager to control every detail, every step of your students?" Doesn't this contradict your own theory about the power of emotions?

The audience freezes, as if waiting for something incredible. Harris looks at me, and I see a spark of anger mixed with admiration in his eyes.

"You're cheeky, Emily. But audacity is not always wisdom. Remember that your words can have consequences.

I sit up straight, looking him straight in the eye.

— I'm prepared for the consequences, Professor. After all, truth is more precious than fear.

Harris stands up abruptly and walks to the lectern, his voice echoing through the audience.

"All right, Emily. We'll come back to this conversation later. In the meantime, let's continue the lecture.

But I know this is just the beginning. The conflict between us has reached a new level, and now I'm not sure who will come out of this confrontation the winner.

After the lecture, Harris detains me.

"Emily, you're too bold for your own safety. Remember that playing with fire can result in burns.

I meet his eyes without looking away.

"I'm ready for burns, Professor. But I'm also willing to fight for my beliefs.

He grins, and there's a hint of menace in that grin.

"Let's see how long your resolve lasts.

As I walk out of the classroom, I can feel my hands shaking. But at the same time, there is a fire of determination burning in me. I won't back down no matter what.

Back at the dorm, I share my feelings with Sarah:

"Sarah, did you see how it went?" It was all I could do not to say something even harsher to him.

Sarah listens intently, occasionally nodding.

— You're doing great, Emily. You showed him you weren't afraid. But be careful — Harris isn't the type to forgive impertinence.

I close my eyes, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside.

— I know… But I can't help it. It hurts my principles too much.

Sarah takes my hand.

"Remember your feelings, Emily. They can both help you and become your weakness.

Her words make me think. I understand that there are new challenges ahead, and I will have to be stronger than ever before. But I'm ready for it. I am ready to fight for my beliefs and for my heart.

The days after our confrontation at the lecture drag on slowly, but the tension between Harris and me only grows. I can feel his eyes on me, and every time our eyes meet, a shiver runs down my spine. But I do not give up — I am ready to go to the end in this confrontation.

In the next workshop, Harris asks a question that is clearly aimed at me:

— Who can give an example of how emotions affected the outcome of scientific research? I would like to hear specific cases.

I raise my hand, feeling my heart beat faster.

— For example, the case of a famous physicist who was so passionate about his theory that he ignored data that contradicted it. His work was criticized, and only years later, when emotions subsided, scientists were able to see the value of his ideas in a new light.

Harris narrows his eyes.

- Interesting, but doesn't this mean that emotions are part of the creative process? Without passion, there would be no discovery.

I choose my words carefully.

- Passion is important, but without a critical eye and the ability to introspect, it can turn into blindness. The scientist must be able to separate his desires from objective data.

Harris smiles, but I can see the wariness in his eyes.

— You think like a person who has already made his choice. But remember, Emily, the world of science is not black and white. There are many shades of gray here.

I lean forward, looking him straight in the eye.

"Perhaps, but I believe that the truth exists, and that it can be approached if you keep your mind clear and don't give in to emotions blindly.

The room is silent except for the occasional rustle of papers. Harris walks slowly around the lectern, like a predator circling its prey.

— That sounds bold, but remember, Emily: in life, as in science, every choice comes at a price.

After the seminar, I hurry to the library to think about my next steps. Sarah finds me there:

— Did you see Harris's face?" He's obviously hurt by your answer!

I smile.

"Yes, but this is just the beginning. I have to show him that I'm ready to fight to the end.

Sarah sits down next to me, looking at me with concern.

"Be careful, Emily. Harris isn't the type to let go of grudges easily. You may face serious consequences.

I clench my fists, feeling a fire of determination burn inside me.

— I know, but I can't back down. It hurts my principles too much.

In the evening, reflecting on what happened, I realize that I need to find new arguments to strengthen my position. But deep down, I know that facing Harris is not only a battle of ideas, but also a clash of two strong characters.

And in this fight, I have to stay true to myself, no matter what.

But at night, lying in bed, I find myself thinking about Harris. His commanding gaze, his harsh words, all excite my imagination. I close my eyes, trying to imagine what it would be like to be in his arms...

"Stop! I cut short my fantasies. "You can't give in to your feelings. You have to stay strong."

But deep down, I understand that this conflict has affected not only my mind, but also my heart. I don't know which will be stronger — my will or my attraction to Harris.

With each passing day, the pressure from Harris is becoming more palpable. I notice sidelong glances and whispers behind me, as if he's starting to spread rumors. My name is being mentioned more and more often in the corridors of the university, but in a tone that I don't like at all.

At the next lecture, Harris calls me to the blackboard:

- Emily, explain to the class how emotions can affect the results of the experiment. Give specific examples and analyze how you can minimize this impact.

I stand up, my hands shaking, but I try to keep my voice steady.

- Emotions can distort the perception of data, influence the interpretation of results, and even the choice of research methodology. For example, a scientist who is convinced of the correctness of his theory may ignore the facts that contradict it. To minimize the impact of emotions, it is necessary to apply blind research methods, involve independent experts and regularly conduct introspection.

Harris listens with his head slightly tilted, like a predator assessing its prey. When I finish, he slowly claps his hands.

"Bravo, Emily! You speak so eloquently about the need for objectivity… But are you ready to follow your own principles?

There's a hint of mockery in his voice, and I know this is just the beginning.

After the lecture, Harris detains me.

"Emily, your answers are impressive, but I'm beginning to doubt your sincerity. You're such a strong advocate of objectivity — what if I prove that you're not free of bias yourself?

I look into his eyes, trying to keep my composure.

"Prove it." I am ready for any discussion.

He smiles, and I think I see a threat in that smile.

— You're overconfident. Remember that your academic performance and reputation are in my hands. One wrong step and everything you've achieved can collapse.

I clench my fists, feeling my anger rise.

"I'm not afraid of threats, Professor. My beliefs are stronger than your manipulations.

Harris leans closer, his voice quieter.

— What if I offer you a deal?" You stop playing games, and I guarantee you excellent grades and a brilliant reputation.

I stagger back as if I've been hit.

— You're offering me a deal?" This is blackmail!

He shrugs.

"Call it what you will. But think about the consequences of your refusal.

I stare at him, my heart pounding in my chest.

— I'm not going to sell my principles. And I won't let you dictate terms to me.

Harris chuckles.

"Let's see how long you last, Emily. You will regret your stubbornness.

When I walk out of the classroom, I feel like I'm on the edge of a cliff. His words echo in my head over and over, and I can't help but think that Harris isn't joking.

Back at the dorm, I share my feelings with Sarah:

— He threatens my academic performance and reputation!" He says he can ruin everything I've achieved.

Sarah looks at me with concern.

— This is serious, Emily. Harris is capable of many things. Maybe we should listen to his words.

I shake my head.

"No, I won't back down. I have to defend my principles, even if it won't be easy.

But deep down, I know that the situation is getting more dangerous. And I don't know what other methods Harris is willing to use to break me.

At night, lying in bed, I find myself thinking about Harris again. His commanding gaze, his harsh words, all excite my imagination. But I push those thoughts away, reminding myself that he's my opponent, not my ally.

You have to stay strong, I tell myself. Don't give in to fear or attraction.

But in my heart of hearts, I understand that this conflict is becoming more and more complicated, and it is not known who will come out of it as a winner.