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“Then don’t present yourself as anything else,” Katherine snapped “You aren’t from Columbia You attend Columbia I repeat, why are you here?”

When Christa didn’t respond, Professor Picton stepped closer, raising her voice

“Are you hard of hearing? I asked you a question What are you doing at uests?”

Christa aly in the room shift under Professor Picton’s antipathy Even Professor Pacciani took a step back

“I’m here to attend your lecture, like everyone else”

Katherine straightened to her full five feet and looked up at the raduate student

“Your nauest list I certainly didn’t invite you”

“Professor Picton, excuselady is a friend” Professor Pacciani smoothly interceded He bowed and moved to kiss Professor Picton’s hand, but she waved at him dismissively

“As a coht be excusable But barely” She glared at him “You need to teach her some manners”

Katherine turned to address Christa directly

“I know the havoc you wreaked in Toronto Your lies almost destroyed my department You’ll follow the rules of decorum here, or I’ll have you re for a response, Katherine began scolding Pacciani in fluid Italian, pointing out in no uncertain teruests’ visit unpleasant in any way, she would hold him personally responsible

She added that she had a perfect and unforgiving memory

(It should be lared at hilasses

“Certo, Professor” He bowed, his face drawn and angry

“I’m the injured party,” Christa protested “When I was in Toronto, Gabriel—”

“Codswallop,” Katherine spat “I’nize a woman scorned when I see one And so should everyone else” At this, Katherine directed her scathing expression to the ossip

“What’syourself to an invitation-only event is unprofessional in the extreme This isn’t a fraternity party”

Professor Picton looked around the rooe anyone to contradict her Under her withering stare, the prurient onlookers began shuffling their feet and backing away

Seely satisfied, she turned her attention back to Miss Peterson and lifted her chin “I believe I’m quite finished”

With that, she favored Christa with her back The other occupants of the roo witnessed the acade enarian

“My dear friends, it’s good to see you Hoas your flight?” Katherine placed her ar her a fraternal squeeze, before shaking Gabriel’s hand

“The flight was fine We spent a few days in London before arriving by train” Gabriel kissed Professor Picton’s cheek He tried to force a smile but failed