Professor Collins followed her gaze. For one second, Maya saw recognition in the professor's face. Not proof. Recognition. She knew something was wrong.
Maya handed her handwritten notes to Lena. We can do it without the slides. Lena blinked. You sure? Yes.
They gave the presentation from paper. It wasn't elegant, but it was complete. When Maya finished, Professor Collins nodded. Well recovered. Tyler clapped twice slowly.
Not enough to be openly insulting. Enough for everyone to understand. After class, Professor Collins stopped Mia near the door. Could I speak with you? Mia waited.
Students filed into the hall. Professor Collins lowered her voice. I saw your file yesterday. Maya looked at her in the shared folder. So, you know it was there.
Yes. Can you check who deleted it? Professor Collins's expression tightened. The system doesn't always preserve that information. Can you check?
A pause. We should be careful about assumptions. Maya stared at her. Professor Collins glanced toward the hallway. Tyler was standing 20 ft away talking to Mason.
Behind him on the wall, a brushed metal plaque read business technology labrenovated with support from the Whitmore Community Foundation. Mia saw Professor Collins notice it too. And then Maya understood. Okay, she said. Professor Collins looked relieved too quickly.
Maya, it's okay. No, I I just mean we need documentation before accusing anyone. I said it's okay, but it wasn't. That was the second cut. By afternoon, Mason stopped pretending the harassment was accidental.
Maya left accounting class carrying two books against her chest. He was leaning beside the doorway. When she approached, he shifted into the center of the hall. She moved left. He moved left.
She went right. He followed. Students flowed around them. Mason smiled. Problem?
Maya looked at him. I have class. Then go. You're standing in the way. Hallways pretty big.
Behind him. Evan lifted his phone. Maya saw the lens again. She stepped backward. Waited.
Mason eventually moved aside with an exaggerated bow. See, nobody's stopping you. Maya walked past. His shoulder struck hers enough to turn her halfway around. Her body reacted instinctively.