The corridor outside the university president's office was quiet as I signed the final document. Professor Lucas Wright would be reinstated with full benefits, back pay, and a formal apology.
"Thank you for making this right," I said, handing the pen back to President Edwards.
He nodded stiffly. "Dr. Bella, had I known your true identity sooner—"
"You would have treated an ordinary student with the same contempt," I finished for him. "Let's not pretend otherwise."
The president flushed. "That's not what I meant."
"It's exactly what you meant." I slipped the contract copy into my bag. "Professor Wright deserves this position because of his brilliance, not because I demanded it."
The university president's eyes darted nervously to Griffin, who stood like a sentinel beside me. "Of course. We're honored to have him back."
As we walked away, Griffin kept pace beside me. "That was satisfying to watch."
I allowed myself a small smile. "Justice often is."
