CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE – THE STUDENT JOURNALIST

"Come in," she called, half-dreading another onslaught of questions. The door opened to reveal a petite young woman with sharp eyes and a determined set to her jaw. "Professor Delacroix? I'm Anna Weiss, editor of The Easel." Jasmine vaguely recalled that The Easel was the college's student-run newspaper. "Anna, how can I help you?" Anna strode into the room, her posture radiating purpose. "I'm working on a story about the... recent events involving Professor Thornton. I was hoping to get your perspective." "I'm afraid I don't have much to add beyond what's already been said," Jasmine replied wearily. "The matter is under investigation, and—" "With all due respect, Professor," Anna interrupted, "I think there's more to this story than a simple scandal. And I have reason to believe you might be the key to uncovering the truth." That caught Jasmine's attention. "What do you mean?" Anna glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers, then pulled a USB drive from her bag. "I've bee