Pudge walked away without saying a word to his colleague.
Surprisingly, his silence stirred more emotion in someone else—Dean Kora, who had been sitting beside him earlier.
She glanced up and saw him now seated next to Director Aaron on the upper dais. The sight overwhelmed her with jealousy, her chest tight with suppressed rage. Her eyes narrowed with spite.
"All those deans here… Why him?" she muttered, unable to look away. "He's not even been here for two days, and he's already sitting with the Director. His attitude really pisses me off."
Meanwhile, on the stage, Pudge was greeted warmly and invited to sit on the only other empty chair. Without ceremony, he took the seat.
The Director smiled and tossed him a beer can.
Pudge caught it mid-air and cracked it open, chugging a long sip.
This simple action drew another glare from Kora, her envy sharpening like a knife.
"What does he see in that guy?" she hissed. "That cheap bastard."
