Chapter 3

The Head of Department, Professor Albright, called me into his office.

He was an older man, easily swayed by established reputations.

Chloe had already built hers.

"Ethan," he started, steepling his fingers. "Ms. Vance and Mr. Bell have raised some concerns."

"Concerns about what, Professor?" I asked, though I already knew.

"About the originality of your qualifier submission," he said, his gaze direct. "Chloe is a star alumna, her judgment carries weight."

"My design is original," I stated.

"Perhaps," Albright conceded, "but perceptions matter, Ethan. We can' t have any whiff of impropriety around the Phoenix Project."

He leaned forward. "Chloe has made a suggestion. A way to put this unpleasantness behind us."

I waited.

"She feels Ryan, as the top qualifier, should have access to the best resources. She' s suggested you cede your advanced campus design studio to him."

My studio. The one with the best light, the most space.

"And?" I prompted.

"And that you assist Ryan with some of the... less demanding aspects of the university' s ongoing minor projects. Show a spirit of collaboration."

My jaw tightened.

Chloe wanted me to be Ryan' s assistant.

Her reborn self was just as controlling, just as determined to push Ryan forward at my expense.

"So, I' m to give up my studio and become Ryan' s errand boy because he and Chloe made a baseless accusation?"

Albright frowned. "It' s about team cohesion, Ethan. About showing you' re a team player."

"I am a team player, Professor. But I won' t be bullied or railroaded."

I thought of my first life, how I' d tried to appease Chloe, how I' d let her walk all over me.

Not again.

"My answer is no," I said, my voice calm but unyielding. "I won' t give up my studio, and I won' t work under Ryan Bell on trivial projects."

Albright looked taken aback. He wasn' t used to students refusing him.

"Think carefully, Ethan. This could affect your standing in the department."

"I have thought carefully," I replied. "My work will speak for itself. If that' s not enough for this department, then perhaps this isn' t the right place for me."

I stood up. "Thank you for your time, Professor."

I walked out, leaving him speechless.

The old Ethan would have caved.

The new Ethan was drawing a line.