6 Cold Gaze (1/2)

Ci-ci shook his head, snapping out of his jealous state. He had never had to feel that emotion before because there was never a need to doubt his women. But, now? When his name was being dragged through the mud? It was very likely that many things had changed.

'You chose this path. Deal with it.'

The truth was that Ci-ci had turned the world against him for a very specific purpose. Although he didn't know how long it would take for it to payoff, he was more than willing to wait. If that meant he had to deal with a bit of jealousy, it was more than worth it.

This was much bigger than his own feelings. This was quite literally about the legacy of his family. He was unwilling to see something his parents had worked their whole lives for crumble, just for it to be built up and into a fake façade.

”John.” Ci-ci called out to the prompter.

”Yes?”

”Tell me. What's happened to my classes and my students?”

”This…”

”Just say it.”

”I'm just a glorified doorman professo – um, Sir Bell. I've only heard rumors. I don't know the truth from fiction.”

”Tell me what you've heard, then.”

”This…” John cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable even while not facing Ci-ci.

Suddenly, a shadow passed over Ci-ci before a knocking shook his hood. ”Ci-ci?” The voice sounded shocked before the faint inflection of a sneer ended it. ”You're not welcomed here.”

Ci-ci waved his hand toward the shadow, keeping his attention focused on John's mic. ”Go ahead, John. I don't mind.”

The shadow wasn't pleased with Ci-ci's ignoring him. Before the events of yesterday, Ci-ci had been someone he'd reluctantly lower his head to. After all, Ci-ci was like the golden child of Grandbell University. Although Gael's family was powerful, they were still nothing when compared to the prestige of such a place.

But, everything was different now. The highly lauded genius had finally made an irredeemable mistake. He had no right to continue to act arrogantly. Not only had he lost the favor of much of the world, his reputation had tanked, his funding had been erased, and his inventions were sanctioned to the university. For all intents and purposes, Ci-ci was no longer a man with any real backing.

'How dare you ignore me?' Gael's lip twitched as he watched Ci-ci's side profile.

Over the intercom, John took a deep breath, still struggling with himself. ”From what I understand, Sir Bell, your classes have been shifted over to your replacement. Also, your specialty classes were simply canceled.”

Ci-ci's brows furrowed. He had expected this, but he still didn't like hearing it. His specialty classes were upper year and usually post-graduate. He spent a lot of time nurturing those students, often one on one. So, he didn't like the idea of them being hung out to dry. But, it couldn't be helped now.

”Alright. Thank you, John. Say hello to the fam for me.” Ci-ci pulled back, before he attempted to roll up his window and peel off. But, a hand firmly grasped the window, causing Ci-ci to pause.

”It seems you haven't understood something clearly.” Gael's hazel eyes darkened, his sandy blond hair sweeping across his forehead.

Ci-ci raised an eyebrow. 'Who the hell is this guy? I just want to leave.'

The truth was that Ci-ci had only come here to say good-bye to his students. He didn't need anything else in the university. What use did he have to see what he assumed was his cleaned-out office and the sneers of people who had been gunning for his position in the first place?