Chapter 16

When the class Lecturer walked into the classroom, the class representative stood waiting on the podium, clutching a petition. "Sir, have you seen the post about Eleanor on the campus forum today?" the class representative began. The Lecturer coughed softly, "Yes, I've seen it." The uproar was impossible to miss. "This issue concerns all of us," the class representative continued. "Eleanor's behavior has been so disgraceful that it’s become a serious problem for our class. We cannot be classmates with someone so immoral. Only Eleanor and James haven't signed this petition. We demand Eleanor be removed from our class!" The class representative handed over the petition. The Lecturer's frustration was evident; Eleanor had brought nothing but trouble, and the Lecturer had already faced ridicule from colleagues. Just as the Lecturer hesitated, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. The class turned to see a neatly dressed man in a suit with meticulously combed hair enter the room—it was the Principal. "Sir, why are you here?" the Lecturer asked, startled. "I'm here for Eleanor. Where is she?" The Principal's eyes scanned the room anxiously. The Lecturer's expression tightened. "Is he here to reprimand me?" he wondered, feeling a wave of panic. "Sir, we've already taken action," he said nervously. "Eleanor has caused a lot of trouble. The students and I agree that she should leave our class." Emboldened by the Lecturer's words, other students chimed in. "Yes, Sir! For the sake of our campus's reputation, Eleanor must go!" The Principal's face darkened with anger. "Ridiculous! This is utterly ridiculous!" he thundered. He glared at the Lecturer and students. "As members of Harvard University, you should not believe groundless rumors. Where is your judgment? What happened to supporting your classmates? This is all based on a baseless rumor!" "I've already instructed the administrator to delete that forum post," the Principal continued. "Eleanor is not what you think. She comes from a wealthy and influential family and doesn't need anyone's money. All of you will reflect on your actions, especially you.., as a Lecturer your behavior is appalling!" With that, the Principal led Eleanor out of the classroom, his respect for her clear. The class Lecturer and students were left in stunned silence, their faces pale with shock and regret.