Silent Dreams Never Die — Author: John Miller 318
Chapter 318 Academic Coercion
Maria turned, smiling at Sabrina. “You’re back already?”
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As Sabrina walked closer, a slight frown appeared on her face. “What was going on with Vanessa last night? She seemed off this morning.”
Maria set down the whisk she was holding, wiped her hands on a dish towel, and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “Oh, that child cried half the night. Drove me up the wall, honestly. I just lost my patience and gave her a proper scolding. Raised my voice quite a bit, I’m afraid.”
Hearing this, Sabrina’s frown smoothed away, replaced by a conspiratorial look. She lowered her own voice. “Next time she acts up like that, don’t bother with just yelling. Go ahead and give her a good smack. I’ve been sick of the sight of her for ages, just haven’t found the right moment to put her in her place. Do it for me, Mom. Let out some of that frustration for your daughter.”
Maria had expected a reprimand for being too harsh. Her daughter’s response made her smile widen. She leaned in even closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “To tell you the truth… I did give her a few good pinches when she wouldn’t quiet down.”
Sabrina let out a soft, approving laugh and gave Maria a playful nudge. “You’re clever, Mom.”
Maria patted Sabrina’s hand affectionately. “It’s you I feel for. Having to grin and bear it when you clearly can’t stand the little brat.”
Sabrina’s smile was bright and calculating. “A few fake smiles are a small price to pay for the position and security I get. It’s a fair trade.”
Maria nodded in agreement. “You’re right about that.”
For a moment, mother and daughter dropped their masks, speaking freely. But their candid moment was shattered by a new voice from the kitchen doorway.
Sabrina was about to suggest Maria pinch Vanessa more often when Vincent’s voice cut through the air. “What are you two conspiring about in here? You look terribly secretive.”
Vincent was leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, a look of lazy amusement in his eyes.
At the sound of his voice, Sabrina’s cheeks flushed with momentary guilt. She recovered swiftly, forcing a calm expression. “Vincent, perfect timing. Mom and I were just discussing Vanessa. She has a school field trip this weekend. We were trying to decide who should chaperone.”
The kindergarten had scheduled a fall outing, though early winter had already set in. Since it was school–organized, Vincent didn’t question it.
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After a moment’s thought, he said, “If you’re free this weekend, you can go, Sabrina. If not, I’ll have her mother take her.”
Sabrina paused only briefly before answering. “I’ll go.”
“Only if you’re not too tired,” Vincent said.
Sabrina walked over to him, stopping right in front of him. “It’s no trouble. Vanessa will be happier if I’m there.”
Vincent relented. “I suppose that’s true.”
Sabrina smiled. “Let me just run upstairs and change.”
“Alright. I’ll wait for you here. Then we’ll go see Mr. Newman.”
Sabrina nodded and headed upstairs, returning shortly, dressed smartly. Vincent drove, and they headed to the university campus together.
Later that morning, Vincent intercepted Thomas just as he was leaving his lecture hall. “Mr. Newman,” Vincent said, his tone polite but firm. “Do you have a moment for a conversation?”
Seeing Sabrina beside Vincent, Thomas immediately understood the purpose of the visit.
Sabrina’s doctoral research had hit a major snag; her methodology was flawed, and her initial conclusions were wrong. The news had spread through the department, and Thomas, a respected figure in the field, was well aware of it. He had long since concluded that Sabrina lacked the aptitude for a Ph.D.
Sensing this wouldn’t be a pleasant discussion, Thomas‘ demeanor turned cool. “What is this about, Mr. Stewart?”
The hallway was busy with passing students and faculty. Not wanting to cause a scene, Vincent suggested, “Perhaps somewhere more private would be better.”
Thomas, wary of Vincent’s intentions but curious, agreed.
They went to a quiet restaurant nearby, and Vincent secured a private dining room. After they had ordered, Thomas didn’t waste time. “Mr. Stewart, let’s not play games. State your business.”
Vincent subconsciously reached for his silver cigarette case. He hesitated, glancing at Sabrina, then slid it back into his pocket. Leaning back in his chair, he looked directly at Thomas, his expression turning steely.
“Let’s be blunt, Mr. Newman,” Vincent began, his voice calm but carrying undeniable weight. “I need
you to ensure Sabrina graduates with her Ph.D., and does so smoothly. If that doesn’t
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happen, the annual seven–figure funding from Stewart Group to the university’s medical research foundation will be… reevaluated. It may very well be withdrawn.”
The threat was laid out plainly, without pretense.
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Thomas stared at him for a beat, then let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Vincent, you must be joking. Are you seriously trying to strong–arm me–to strong–arm this university—with a funding threat? Do you think you’re above the rules? Above the state boards that oversee this institution?”
It was true that Vincent’s contributions had been significant in keeping several high–profile research projects afloat. But the university’s survival didn’t hinge on him alone; it had government backing and other donors.
The sheer audacity of Vincent using financial leverage to force a doctoral degree for an unqualified candidate struck Thomas as not just unethical, but dangerously arrogant. He had never imagined Vincent would go this far.
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