She dug her long, crimson-painted nails into my scalp and barked, “Apologize! Now! You’re nothing but a troublemaker. I don’t expect you to bring any honor to the institute, just don’t do anything foolish and that will be enough!”
I couldn’t stand their nonsense any longer and snapped, “Bulwark Group evaluates investments based on the strength of a research institute’s talent, not on contributions measured by singing and dancing.”
Professor Laird, livid, shoved me so hard I stumbled and fell to the floor. “Asshole! You dare talk back to me? Today it’s a rat you poison, tomorrow it’ll be your colleagues! How can I allow someone as radical and unstable as you to remain here, endangering the institute? I’ll report you to the dean!”
The three of them were clearly in cahoots and I shouted back, “Do you even hear yourself? You’re twisting right and wrong!”
Professor Laird’s face darkened, her voice dropping into a growl. “You refuse to see your mistakes. Then you’ll pay for them.”
At her slight nod, Xaviera lunged forward, yanking my hair and slapping me hard across the face. “You killed Sissy and you dared to destroy her memorial? Today, you’ll pay your respects in mourning clothes!”
Pain shot through my scalp, but I gritted my teeth and clawed her hand away. She sneered and tore at my clothes, exposing me. “Red underwear? Really? On Sissy’s death anniversary? You must be mocking her on purpose! From now on, you’ll wear black and mourn for her properly!”
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway and fear rooted me in place.
Xaviera yanked the curtains down and hurled them at me. “You’re only fit to wear this today!”
When I dodged and refused to comply, she kicked the door wide open, exposing everything inside. “Everyone, come and see! Heidi’s being punished for poisoning small animals. She’ll mourn here for seven days and seven nights!”
Countless curious eyes turned toward us. My hands trembled as I hastily pulled the curtain over my body.
Xaviera only sneered. “Bitch! Didn’t you say you wouldn’t wear it just now? Do you realize your mistake now? If you admit you were wrong, bow three times to Sissy.”
Bow to a mouse? Impossible. Humiliation burned through me and my voice quivered. “You barged in and wrecked my lab, how is that my fault?”
Xaviera rolled her eyes with scorn. “Why don’t you just claim the whole building is yours?”