Humiliation crossed his face.
The Dean raised one hand.
The noise gradually stopped.
"This is not a trial."
She said it to the room.
"Do not confuse public embarrassment with due process."
She looked toward the Professor.
"You are being placed on administrative leave pending formal investigation."
He stared.
"Effective immediately."
"What?"
"You will surrender access to research systems and committee materials."
"This is insane."
"Your counsel can address that."
He looked toward the Black woman.
"This was planned."
The Dean did not answer.
The Professor's eyes sharpened.
"You sent her in here."
The Black woman frowned.
The Dean looked toward her.
Then back at him.
"No."
That surprised everyone.
The Professor stared.
The Dean continued:
"She was scheduled to clean this hall."
The Research Officer nodded.
"We planned to interview you after lecture."
The Dean looked at the completed proof.
"What happened before we entered was not arranged."
The Black woman looked toward the Dean.
Even she seemed surprised.
The Dean added:
"Which may be the most revealing part."
The Professor's face hardened.
"So this entire accusation rests on a student who works janitorial shifts and thinks she deserves a fellowship?"
The Dean's expression changed.
Cold.
"No."
"It rests on digital access records."
"Document metadata."
"Committee logs."
"Version histories."
"Independent mathematical review."
"And now, apparently, the fact that the original author can complete a proof you have publicly presented for months but refuse to finish when asked."
The Professor said nothing.
The Dean looked toward the black case on the desk.
"What is that?"
A student shouted:
"Fifty grand."
Nervous laughter.
The Dean looked at the Professor.
"Your challenge?"
His jaw tightened.
"Yes."
The Dean turned toward the Black woman.
"Was the challenge made in good faith?"
The Professor responded:
"She had prior knowledge."
The Black woman almost smiled.