Back in the office, the Dean tried his best to sweet talk Cass into calming down. Over and over, he leaned forward, hands folded on the desk, voice dipped low with placating tones.
"Cass, you're still very young, you've got a future ahead of you. Don't let anger ruin it."
"Think carefully, boy. Don't let emotions cloud reason."
"You've cleared your name, that's what matters, isn't it?"
His words dripped with that false softness, the kind adults used when they wanted to pacify a child instead of truly listening.
"Alright, alright, I'm calm, I'm calm," Cass finally said, though his voice carried a sharp edge that betrayed the opposite. He leaned back in the chair, arms folded. "So what's next?"
"Good," the Dean replied quickly, clearing his throat as though relieved. "I won't push this matter further. I believe with the evidence you've brought, you won't be expelled."
Cass frowned. "So? I said what's next?"
