Her father leaned back in his chair, a smug smile still plastered across his face as he continued his obnoxious monologue.
"I just closed a big deal with a university." He said, his tone oozing self-satisfaction. "They've been looking for someone who can deliver results, and naturally, they came to me. It's going to bring in major profits for the company."
He then paused, his smile faltering slightly as his sharp eyes turned toward Bella. "Speaking of university..." He began, his tone shifting. "I heard something interesting."
Bella stiffened, her forced smile fading as she met his gaze.
"I heard you've decided to stay home for the rest of the semester instead of going back." He continued, his voice calm but with a pointed edge. His expression grew solemn, as though the very idea displeased him deeply. "Is that true?"