Miranda let out a cold snort. "Isn't she a fool anyway?"
Rylie nearly lost it and was about to swing at her, but Riley caught her arm just in time.
"It's okay, Rylie," Riley said calmly. "I can prove myself."
Professor Lane cleared his throat, stepping in to calm things down. "Alright, that's enough. Both of you, sit down. As for Riley's situation, the university has already reached a preliminary decision."
When Riley's results first came out, even he hadn't believed them. The university had pulled up the lecture hall surveillance footage, but nothing unusual showed up. There was no signal interference either. By all accounts, the work had been done by Riley herself.
And yet, on her very first day, he had personally confirmed she wasn't particularly bright. So how had she suddenly scored full marks? The question alone was enough to stir suspicion.
At that moment, someone in the class muttered, "Sir, didn't you say earlier that the exam papers were leaked…?"
Right—the leak.
Professor Lane's expression changed instantly. His gaze snapped toward Riley.
I was too naive.
I had actually thought she might just be slow in other areas but gifted in exams.
But now, she had entered through connections.
With enough influence, getting hold of the test papers wasn't impossible.
The more he thought about it, the more disgust crept into his eyes.
He hated students like this—poor performers who still resorted to cheating and manipulation.
His face darkened. "This is a serious matter. Riley, come with me. We're going to President Langford's office right now."
Rylie looked at Riley anxiously, but Riley simply smiled at her. "Wait for me to come back with honor."
Miranda scoffed. "More like wait for you to crawl out of the university in disgrace."
Rylie didn't bother responding. She stood there, watching Riley leave like a statue rooted in place.
Celeste withdrew her gaze and patted Felicia's hand, her expression full of disdain. "Don't worry, Felicia. She brought this on herself. You're top five in the entire grade—you're not even in the same league as her."
Inside, Felicia was thrilled. But on the outside, she put on a worried expression. "I'm just concerned about my sister. I don't know why she would do something like this… it's just… too much. It's unfair to everyone."
Celeste sighed sympathetically. "You're too kind. But hearing you say that makes us feel better too. Don't waste your energy on someone like her. We all believe in you."
Felicia nodded, quickly lowering her head, afraid someone might notice the smile she couldn't quite suppress.
I am rank in the top five at IU.
And that idiot?
Absent from exams—and now accused of cheating.
I could already imagine the kind of reputation Riley would have from now on.
***
Meanwhile, Riley followed Professor Lane out of the lecture hall and was led all the way to the vice president's office.
Since the President Langford and Mr Sutherland were away on official business, all university affairs were currently handled by Vice President of IU Quentin York.
"Vice President York, this is Riley."
Several people were already seated in the office. They had been discussing the exam leak.
It was a serious issue, and none of them looked pleased—especially now that there was a likely suspect standing right in front of them.
One by one, their gazes turned cold as they looked at Riley.
Vice President York glanced at her but said nothing. His expression was grim.
Professor Lane adjusted his black-framed glasses, his expression stern. "Riley, confess—how did you cheat?
"And admit that you were responsible for leaking the exam papers. If you cooperate, you may receive leniency.
"I didn't expect you to make such a serious mistake at the start of the semester. I won't be able to protect you.
"I'll respect whatever decision the university makes."