Chapter 51 - The Forgotten Woman (2)

We finally arrived at her office. It was just like any other professor's office, about the size of a standard 1LDK apartment. The space was dominated by a large, imposing desk cluttered with stacks of paperwork and textbooks, and a chair behind it, with a couple of chairs in front for visitors. A vase of fresh flowers by the window was the only thing that added a touch of warmth to the otherwise sterile environment.

"Get your butt seated, Leon," Professor Irene commanded, her voice firm and no-nonsense.

I sank into one of the chairs in front of the desk, trying to ignore the way her eyes seemed to bore into me. Professor Irene settled behind the desk, her glasses catching the light and amplifying the intense glare she fixed on me. She looked like she meant serious business.

"Now then, tell me..." she said, her eyes locked onto mine with an unwavering intensity. "Or perhaps you should just come clean about why I really called you here. You know, don't you?"