Chapter 39

Victoria's POV：： Sophia Smith stared at me with disbelief in her eyes, clearly refusing to accept what I had just told her. "You're the one who called the police and had me taken to the station!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the restaurant as several customers turned to look at us. My wolf Nora snarled within me. Stay calm, I told her. She's not worth us losing control. Sophia continued her tirade, hurling accusations that made my hackles rise. Just as I was about to respond, a stern voice interrupted the commotion. "Sophia? What do you think you're doing?" Her demeanor changed instantly. The fire in her eyes dimmed as she turned toward the voice. "Professor," she said meekly. "Professor, please give me another chance," she pleaded, her voice suddenly sweet and desperate. "I really want to stay in the research group. You can't dismiss all my contributions because of one incident. I've invested so much in this project." She gestured toward me. "Victoria is here—she can testify