Chapter 112 Decision from the Dean

KIA

I was waiting inside the dean's office when I heard a voice that was familiar to me coming from the hallway outside. It might appear that two people are arguing with each other. I had just stood up and was getting ready to head outside to see what was going on when all of a sudden the door opened and the dean walked in.

She mumbled, "They are here," before returning to her seat and sitting down.

"What exactly is going on, Dean?" I inquired with a sense of curiosity.

"It looks like your sister has gotten herself into some serious trouble. One of the students was struck by her unexpectedly. She was beginning to sow the seeds of disorder all over the academic institution. I guess you are right about your proposal to kick her out of the school," the dean said.

"Well, to be perfectly honest—"

The moment someone unexpectedly called my name, I was rendered speechless and unable to continue what I had been saying.

"Kianna?"

I looked back and saw my dad. Since the last time I saw him, he has undergone a significant transformation in appearance. I can see from the appearance of his eyes that he is not getting enough rest because he has lost a lot of weight. His wrinkles were so obvious. Where is the dad that I knew before, and what happened to him? Is it true that managing a company is becoming increasingly challenging these days?

"Dad…"

"Dad? How can you continue to call me your dad when all you've ever done is make things difficult for the family! The first problem is that you have deserted your family, and now you want your sister to be expelled from school?! What kind of a sister are you?! You selfish little brat!" He yelled out with anger. He reached for his chest all of a sudden, acting as though he was in discomfort.

My stepmother intervened right away and encouraged him to take a seat so that he could gather his composure. The dean put in a request for bottled water for my father to her assistant and received confirmation over the phone. As everyone was so concerned about my dad's health, Asteria entered the room with her malicious look fixed on me. I turned around and walked back to my seat, crossing my arms over my chest as I continued to stare at them with a perplexed expression.

"Thank you so much for your assistance, Dean. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this has caused... Recently, things have been getting worse, and my husband has been suffering a great deal as a direct result of these challenges..." My stepmother said this while displaying an expression of great distress regarding what was being placed.

"Mrs. Saavedra, I do comprehend completely. Kianna, would you be able to assist me by dialing 911 and having a medical professional check on your father's condition at this moment? We are not going to put his health in jeopardy because of this one incident." The dean ordered authoritatively.

"Yes, dean—"

“Don’t! Help is not something that I require at this time. I'm hoping you can help us get this conversation settled, Dean. It is because of my daughters that we have been asked to come here. To tell you the truth, I am putting the blame for their current behavior, particularly that of Kianna Myst, squarely on my own shoulders. Because of how careless I am with my responsibilities, she got into that state. I have the deepest regret for the way in which they behaved... However, it is normal for siblings to argue with one another, just as what they are currently going through. There is no way for us to get around this particular obstacle. Dean, do you think I'm right?" Dad asked.

The dean indicated her agreement with a nod of her head. "Well, I can't deny that you have a point with that, Mr. Saavedra, and I can't say that I disagree with you, but the thing is… The issue is not with Kianna; rather, the issue is with Asteria—"

“What?! Why is it that I'm the one causing the trouble?! Dean, I promise you that I didn't intentionally hurt her in any way—"

"Oh, you actually said that? Do you not think that showing disrespect is inappropriate? Asteria, do you not remember something I just told you? I have recently risen to the position of Ace in this educational institution. Even though you are my sister, you absolutely cannot act in such a manner in front of me. Are you seriously trying to pass yourself off as my sibling?” I stood up as I defended myself.

“Do not refer to me in that manner since there is absolutely no chance that you will ever be my sister!” Asteria shouted.

"Silence, both of you!" Dad suddenly yelled. The entire office was filled with the reverberation of his voice. "Could you perhaps help us to a conclusion about this matter, Dean? It's rather evident that these two are fighting with each other. It should not be taken seriously at all. You cannot just make the decision to exclude my daughter from this university without any reasonable reason. This is so unreasonable! I have been a devoted benefactor to your academic institution, Dean..."

"Certainly, Mr. Saavedra. I completely understand. Even though we are really grateful for all of the help you have provided for this university, the fact that your daughter is behaving in a way that the university is unable to manage won't affect the fact that we are thankful for your assistance. We do not have any other option but to kick her out of the university. Don’t worry, the university will still provide her with a grace period of one month before we decide whether or not to expel her. During that period of time, we still have the opportunity to reverse our decision if she alters the way that she has been behaving. I'm sorry for the confusion, Mr. and Mrs. Saavedra, but I hope you can understand..."