“It’s common for us to work late into the night on projects together. Sharing clothes and things is very normal.”
“You’re older, and not from this circle, so it’s normal you don’t know these things.”
She finished speaking, smiling, waiting for my reaction.
There were still students watching.
They started whispering.
“At the last dinner party, Ms. Jessica drank too much and threw up all over Professor Whitman. Professor Whitman, always a clean freak, wasn’t angry; he even gave her water and patted her back.”
“More than that, their relationship is really good. Sometimes it seems even closer than with his wife…”
Before I could respond, someone nudged me with their elbow.
But these fragmented words were enough to piece together the scene.
I looked at Jessica, my voice was calm, but only I knew what was stuck in my throat.
"You really like my soup?"
Jessica seemed surprised, pausing for a moment before flashing her usual smile.
"Yes, it’s the chicken soup from last time. I found it a bit bland, and I told Mr. Whitman about it."
She winked at Jason, then turned back, her tone light.
"Did you put in too much salt this time?"
Jessica’s tone was so frank.
Anyone unaware would think she was speaking to the housekeeper.
I loosened my grip, bent down, opened the thermos, and placed it in front of the stray dog on the street.
Then I smiled at Jessica.
"Yes, I put in too much salt."
"But I won’t give it to the dog."
"After all, dogs have more conscience than you."
Jessica understood immediately, her face paling.
Back when she was ten, her name was still Jessica Hart.
Living in a remote mountain village where sons were favored, she was beaten so badly by her parents that her body was covered in welts.
That year, I happened to be delivering charity supplies. She knelt before me, kowtowing and begging me to save her.
I softened and took her back to London, paying for her schooling.
I even personally taught her how to dress and read.
I transformed Jessica from a thin, self-conscious girl into a poised, confident student at a prestigious university.
Even a dog wags its tail in gratitude to its owner.
But how did Jessica repay me?
After entering Jason’s lab, she developed inappropriate thoughts.
What disgusted me more was that Jason actually condoned her.
The young, delicate Jessica before me, eyes red, fiercely accused me.
"How could you humiliate me like this? Comparing me to a dog?"
"I know you’ve been a pampered young lady since childhood, different from ordinary people like us, but I’m not your servant. I absolutely cannot be insulted like this! Please apologize to me immediately!" Jessica’s tears streamed, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed, crying with deep grief.
Jason’s brows furrowed further. He looked at me, tone softening slightly.
"Samantha."
"Today is Jessica’s thesis defense. Apologize to her first, let this matter pass, don’t delay her important business."
He paused, looking at my soaking, disheveled appearance, seemingly realizing it was inappropriate, and added.
"Never mind, your clothes are wet too, go back and change, don’t catch a cold."
He said it matter-of-factly.
I watched as Jason instinctively stepped in front of Jessica, afraid I might do something for her.
Suddenly, I found it particularly ridiculous.
After all, he had always protected me like this since childhood.
A surge of anger welled up inside me, making me tremble with rage.
