Ava Montgomery had always believed that silence was safer than truth.
That belief shattered the moment she stepped into the Dean’s office.
The room was elegant in a way meant to intimidate—dark wood furniture, framed photographs of donors lining the walls, soft lighting that felt more like surveillance than comfort. The Dean sat behind his desk, hands folded neatly, expression unreadable.
Ava stood tall anyway.
“Miss Montgomery,” he said calmly. “Thank you for coming.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice,” Ava replied evenly.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face before it smoothed away. “You’ve made quite an impression this week.”
“So I’ve heard.”
He gestured to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.”
She remained standing.
The Dean sighed softly. “Very well. Let’s be direct. You
