The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 561

Sloane stood at the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.

A warm "Come in" echoed from inside. She pushed the door open to see President Mildred Fairfax sitting behind her desk. She was wearing silver-rimmed reading glasses, her short silver hair styled flawlessly, catching a soft glow in the sunlight.

The university president, well into her fifties, wore a navy blue tailored jacket adorned with a small pearl brooch at the collar. She exuded elegance and warmth, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Sloane, come, take a seat." Mildred took off her reading glasses and gestured to the chair across from her.

Sloane sat down, placing her hands on her lap, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.

Mildred glanced at her, her eyes lingering for a second on Sloane's tense fingers before she smiled. She picked up a white porcelain teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a casual, gentle tone, as if chatting with one of her graduate students.

"There's no need to be nervous. I didn't ask you here today to discuss Vitas-1 or anything of the sort."

She set the teacup down, opened a drawer, pulled out a piece of paper, and gently slid it across the desk toward Sloane.

"We have two graduate recommendation spots for Sports Psychology this year. I remember you always wanted to apply, and I reviewed your transcripts. Your average across all subjects is over ninety, and you've excelled in your core courses. You more than meet the requirements."

The paper was a graduate school recommendation form for the Sports Psychology program.

Mildred nudged the form another half inch forward, her fingertip resting gently over the signature line. "If you're willing, I can sign this recommendation letter for you right now."

Sloane was stunned.