Chapter 290
Sophia Sullivan looked up.
Assault and disorderly conduct were indeed different charges.
They had hit them, yes.
But only after being provoked first.
The department might side with Professor Victoria Lowell.
The university administration might not.
A proper investigation would look into the cause.
If the Dean's Office heard they got beaten up.
They would definitely ask why.
How would they answer then?
Admit they were breaking rules and coercing others?
Or that they hurled insults and personal attacks?
Maybe confess to kicking others when they were down and ganging up to mock them?
They got hit for being despicable.
That was more than enough to qualify as provocation.
If they get expelled, we all get expelled.
Everyone packs their bags and leaves.
Sophia finished with a smile.
The others stared, dumbfounded.
It could work like that?
She seemed quite pleased.
Hannah Morse immediately nodded.
Expulsion sounds good.
I can go home and help Pops collect rent.
Marcus Lawrence added calmly.
If expelled, I'll go back and take the civil service exam.
Even though they're unhinged.
If you can't beat them, join them.
Shane Holloway froze.
Ashley Lowell was stunned.
Amelia Roscente fell silent.
Jude Granger scratched his head and looked at Caleb.
Caleb was smiling.
Jude thought he was seeing things.
He looked closer. The smile was even brighter.
Sophia pressed her advantage.
Weren't we going to the Dean's Office?
Let's go. Together.
Saves the trouble of notifying everyone later.
She started heading downstairs.
Hannah and Marcus followed closely behind.
Why aren't you coming?
Hurry up.
It'll be lunch break soon.
Shane and Amelia exchanged uneasy glances.
Ashley was already completely lost.
The ones who threw the punches were more confident than the ones who got hit.
There must be a trap.
Shane stammered.
What proof do have that we started it?
Got any evidence?
I say you threw the first punch.
Sophia smiled slightly and pointed upward.
Surveillance.
Shane froze.
Since when did the lab have cameras?
Hannah answered for him.
We installed them ourselves.
To guard against people like you.
Shane was speechless.
Sophia added.
Pull up the recording and play it.
The whole story becomes clear.
Saves explaining. Quite convenient.
Shane swallowed hard.
He suddenly remembered something urgent.
I'll let you off today.
Next time, walk the other way when you see me.
He delivered his weak threat and scurried away.
Sophia looked at Amelia.
You? Coming with us?
I have things to do too.
Amelia turned and left.
Ashley called out after her.
Why is everyone leaving?
Cowards.
She cursed and left too.
They finished packing.
The three of them took a final look around the lab.
They were still reluctant.
Circumstances were forcing their hand.
Sophia, which professor did you give the key to?
I didn't. I still have it.
Hannah's eyes widened.
What if they press us?
Just say we gave it to Professor Alexander Laurent.
He'll definitely cover for us.
Her tone held reliance and trust.
Certain Alexander would take their side.
Sophia explained softly.
You handed your keys over.
I can't give up the one I have.
Why?
Silly. If we give all the keys away.
How do we move the CPRT? Break the door down?
Hannah's eyes went wide.
We can take the CPRT dynamometer?
Of course. We paid for it ourselves. Why couldn't we?
Exactly. We bought it. We can move it if we want.
So we need to keep a key.
Otherwise, it's inconvenient.
Marcus curled his lip.
Professor Victoria Lowell is trying so hard to push us out.
It's all for this machine.
Her clever plan is about to fail.
The three of them carried their boxes and left, locking the door behind them.
Each had one cardboard box.
Hannah's was the biggest, stuffed full of snacks.
Chips, nuts, spicy strips, cookies, milk, sparkling water.
A soccer ball flew toward them as they passed the field.
To dodge it, she threw her box.
The ball brushed past her arm.
Her snacks scattered everywhere.
Hannah was speechless.
Sophia and Marcus set their boxes down to help her pick everything up.
Someone was faster.
Caleb gathered the snacks and put them back in the box.
He picked it up and handed it to Hannah.
Thanks. Hannah was a bit dazed.
Were they on good terms?
Why was he suddenly helping her?
Seeing Caleb, Sophia and Marcus exchanged a look.
She stepped forward with a smile.
Thank you, Caleb.
He smiled. No need to be so wary.
I didn't catch up to help you argue.
Sophia raised an eyebrow. Then why?
Caleb was silent for a few seconds.
Believe it or not.
That first time we applied for the lab.
I didn't intentionally take more than my share.
Coming with them this time.
Wasn't to watch the show either.
This didn't surprise Sophia.
During that earlier confrontation, Caleb's shock seemed genuine.
This time, he just followed them in and stood to the side without participating.
He spoke up fairly at a key moment.
Said Amelia deserved to get hit.
Her intuition told her he wasn't bad.
But she didn't fully trust him either.
Dwelling on the past was pointless.
It's better to focus on the present.
That makes sense. He nodded gently.
His gaze swept over their boxes on the ground.
Are you planning to give up on the lab?
Sophia's heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained calm.
Why do you say that?
This fire safety review clearly has issues.
I heard you went to see Dean Cunningham.
But nothing happened after that.
That's not like you.
Not like us? Then what should we be like?
At the very least, you should fight for your rights.
Not take any crap, like when you slapped them.
That's your usual style.
Now you're packing up and slinking away.
It doesn't add up.
Caleb sensed anomalies keenly.
You've thought of a solution, haven't you?