Danny continued. Advanced equipment is valuable. So is research. But if an injured warehouse worker loses his therapy slot so a wealthy athlete gets a private recovery suite, that isn't just budgeting. She paused.
It's a decision about whose pain matters more. Someone shifted in the back row. Professor Miller's eyes sharpened. Madison leaned back. That sounds dramatic.
Danny looked toward her. It sounds real. Madison smiled. But there was no warmth in it. You're new here, right?
Yes. Then maybe you don't understand how institutions like Hawthorne survive. Danny felt every head turn toward her. Madison's friends watched closely. Danny could have answered with anger.
Instead, she said, I understand that money keeps doors open. Madison's smile widened. Good. Danny continued. I also understand that what you do after the doors open tells people who they were built for.
The smile vanished. Professor Miller stepped in before Madison could respond. That's the tension we're discussing. He gestured toward the proposal. Growth versus access.
Prestige versus mission. Those are legitimate questions. Madison looked at him. So you think my family is hurting people? I think every donor proposal deserves scrutiny.
The room tightened. Professor Miller seemed to realize exactly what he had stepped into and chose not to retreat. No family name should exempt an idea from debate. Danny lowered herself back into her seat. Her pulse had quickened, but she kept her eyes on her notes.
A few students began writing. One nodded toward her. Madison did not look away. For the rest of the seminar, Danny could feel the anger from two rows ahead like heat from an open oven. When class ended, students gathered their bags quickly.
Professor Miller called after Danny. Ms. Carter, she stopped. You made a strong point. Thank you. Don't confuse disagreement with disrespect.
Danny looked toward Madison, who was waiting near the door. I don't. Miller followed her gaze. His voice lowered. Some people do.
That stayed with Danny as she stepped into the hallway. Madison was gone. Danny exhaled. Maybe that was the end of it. Then she turned beneath a wide stone archway leading toward the courtyard.
Madison stood there. Tyler was beside her. Two of Madison's friends lingered a few feet away. The hallway behind Danny was suddenly much quieter. Madison crossed her arms.
Interesting class. Danny kept walking. I thought so. You like embarrassing people? Danny stopped.
No. Could have fooled me. Tyler stepped away from the wall. His posture was relaxed. His eyes weren't. Danny looked at Madison.
I answered a question. You attacked my family. I questioned a proposal. You knew exactly what you were doing. Danny's patience thinned.