Samuel walked toward the auditorium, the woman on his arm, his smile still in place. His steps were measured, confident, and unhurried. He did not look at the cameras. He did not acknowledge the whispers. He simply walked, as if he had all the time in the world.
Behind him, the university officials followed, their flattering smiles back in place, though their eyes were still wary.
The woman in the blue blazer fell into step beside the dean. She leaned close to him, her voice a low whisper. "That is the second one tonight. First Moretti, now Davies. What is going on?"
The dean shook his head, his expression tight. "I do not know. But I am not going to ask questions. Not when they are both donating millions."
The woman pursed her lips but said nothing.
They walked into the auditorium.
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