The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 310

Chapter 310: Chapter 310 A Quick Fix
When the Dean heard Hera’s comments about the Director, he recoiled in fright. It was well known that the Director was a fierce and decisive leader. If she heard the Dean’s disparaging thoughts, he knew she would not take kindly to them. Given her significant stake in the institution and her strong stance on such matters, he was certain she would take swift and severe action against him.

If this issue were brought to her attention, he knew he would face severe repercussions for mishandling the situation, and both he and his niece could be implicated. However, the Dean remained outwardly composed, aware that the Director was currently abroad, enjoying her time with her husband, and not immediately available to address the matter.

“I don’t know what you’re trying to achieve with these comparisons, but your case is different. The Director was never involved in any scandals like yours. Stop trying to find excuses and accept the consequences of your actions,” the Dean said dismissively, showing no remorse.

Hera’s expression hardened as she listened to the Dean’s dismissive tone. Her initial goal was to resolve the issue discreetly, hoping for a solution that wouldn’t disrupt the school’s harmony. However, with the Dean’s continued hostility, she realized she had no choice but to confront him head-on.

“Don’t worry, Dean,” Hera said calmly, her smile unwavering as she spoke. “I’ve already taken action to address this issue. I fully understand the importance of protecting our school’s reputation and rest assured, the person responsible for spreading these slanderous rumors will be dealt with.” She maintained her composed demeanor as the Dean turned abruptly, startled by her confident words.

“What do you mean?” the Dean asked, his eyes widening with a hint of unease.

“I mean exactly what I said, Dean,” Hera replied innocently. “I’ve already taken action and called the police to clear my name.”

The Dean’s face drained of color as he glared at Hera. “Have you fucking lost your mind?” he roared. “Bringing the police into this will only escalate the situation and tarnish our reputation even further!”

“But Dean,” Hera said, her voice steady but soft, “I had to involve the police because you refused to conduct a thorough investigation to clear my name and protect my scholarship, even though I have a clean record. I thought perhaps age had clouded your judgment, and you overlooked the importance of safeguarding a top achiever’s reputation. So, I took matters into my own hands to help.” Her voice was clear, and a few students chuckled at her clever retort.

“Besides,” Hera continued with a shrug, “once it’s proven that I was being slandered, the university’s reputation won’t be damaged. In fact, it will showcase the institution’s integrity and commitment to protecting its students. Isn’t that a boost to our reputation? Consider it a free advertisement.” Her tone was light, but the Dean knew she was subtly mocking him for his underhanded approach.

Hera realized her earlier approach wasn’t working with the Dean, so she decided to change tactics and confront him directly while maintaining the support of the student body. She was effectively playing both sides. She suspected that the Dean was shielding someone, and if it was Alice, it made sense. Alice was seen as the chosen one, and her actions were likely protected and guided to ensure favorable outcomes for her.

The Dean’s anger was evident; veins bulged on his forehead, and his eyes were bloodshot as he glared at Hera with a look that suggested he wanted to devour her. Logan, noticing the Dean’s volatile reaction, quickly stepped in front of Hera, shielding her with his body. At first, the other students didn’t perceive the gravity of the situation, but as they saw the Dean’s erratic behavior, they realized something was amiss. His loss of composure was palpable, and many students, especially those livestreaming the incident, caught the Dean’s unmasked fury.

“You can’t do this! I’m the Dean, and I am the one who decides how this issue is handled! You have no right to make decisions for my university!” the Dean roared at Logan, though his anger was clearly directed at Hera.

“Sir, if that’s the case, you should have prioritized protecting your student. The moment you failed to do so, you forfeited the right to make decisions about her. It’s her life on the line, not yours. You should have considered all the consequences she might face if you failed to safeguard her,” Logan said, summoning all his courage despite his trembling. His fear was palpable, but his determination to stand up for Hera, just as she had protected him, kept him resolute.

“The kid’s right!” a man’s voice boomed through the hallway, cutting through the tension and silencing the crowd. The students parted to make way as they saw the police flanking the man, their presence adding an authoritative weight to his words. “You no longer have the right to call yourself the Dean of this university when you’ve failed to uphold your duties,” he declared.

“Who the hell are you?” the Dean bellowed, his face flushed with fury as his authority was challenged and his plans unraveled. He bristled at the intrusion, having prided himself on his long tenure and numerous achievements, which had earned him accolades and respect. The sudden shift in power made him feel as though he was being unceremoniously thrown off his pedestal.

“Apologies for the late introduction,” Gerald began, his voice calm but authoritative. “I’m Gerald Troy from the Avery Consortium, the primary and biggest shareholder of this university since its inception. We’ve been informed that one of our top achievers and scholars, Ms. Ainsley, is embroiled in a serious predicament. It appears that the Dean was not fully aware of the ongoing online slander that has thrust her into the spotlight of this scandal. I’ve been sent to investigate and address this issue directly.” He stopped next to Logan, with the police standing behind him, their presence adding weight to his words.

The Dean was taken aback upon hearing that Gerald was from the Avery Consortium. The university had long been considered a cornerstone of the Avery family’s legacy, as they were the founders of this prestigious institution. Unlike the Royal Academy, which only admitted royalty and aristocrats, the Avery Consortium’s university welcomed both commoners and nobility alike, embodying a commitment to merit and opportunity that set it apart.

If the female Director had merely intimidated him momentarily, the presence of Gerald Troy struck sheer terror into the Dean. The Avery Consortium’s judgment would undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his career, and the fact that Gerald, an aide to the current generation’s heiress, was personally overseeing the situation indicated the seriousness with which they were treating it. The Dean now feared that the girl, Hera, might possess connections or influence he had not previously anticipated.

The Dean knew that Gerald had access to the Avery Consortium’s intelligence department, which only heightened his fear. He realized that Gerald likely held crucial information that could be used against him. Trembling and drenched in sweat, the Dean stood immobilized, his knees buckling under the weight of his anxiety.

But Gerald came in prepared.