Mia felt a bit angry at Vanessa's taunt but merely smiled and continued filling out her application. The best way to deal with people like Vanessa was to ignore them; arguing would only disgrace her. She had no intention of stooping to a shouting match
After completing the last word, Mia put down her pen, carefully reviewed her application, and, satisfied, took it to the adjacent office to submit it to David Carter.
David Carter, the seasoned department head, had an office filled with stacks of books and calligraphy works, giving it a scholarly and heavy atmosphere. He was one of the few male colleagues besides Ethan Sanders with whom Mia felt comfortable. Of course, this comfort was purely professional, without any romantic implications
