"Professor Morton says people who commit academic fraud don't deserve a place in this lab." Her lips curled. "Congratulations, Professor Pruitt. You've officially graduated."
My head rang like a struck bell.
What was there left to misunderstand? The plagiarism scandal, the accusations—all of it was a trap. Fabian and Doris had orchestrated the whole thing.
My eyes burned. Before I could stop myself, my hand connected with Doris's face.
"Don't think I don't see right through your two-faced act." My voice shook with fury. "You think these underhanded tactics will drive me out? Keep dreaming."
Doris cupped her reddening cheek, but instead of retreating, she smiled.
"Oh, Sara. Getting a little hysterical, are we?" She tilted her head, mock sympathy dripping from every word. "I suppose I understand. A woman past her prime who can't even keep her own husband... what else can she do but throw a tantrum when faced with someone younger?"
She shook her head slowly, then pulled something from her pocket with theatrical flair.
Fabian's car keys.