Riley nodded. "Yes, lecturer. I completed everything carefully."
Even the lecturers present wouldn't dare claim they could finish that fast—but Riley had done exactly that.
Vice President York was already itching to spread the news. He could almost see the glory of becoming the official president within reach.
Still, he kept a composed, academic demeanor. "Since Riley has finished, let the lecturers grade the papers on the spot."
Professor Lane felt utterly humiliated and refused to participate in grading.
The other lecturers crowded forward and quickly began checking the answers.
A female lecturer suddenly gasped. "How is this possible?"
Vice President York frowned. "What's wrong?"
Ethan adjusted his glasses. "All correct. A perfect score."
"That's impossible!" Professor Lane rushed over, snatching Riley's papers and checking them one by one.
Moments later, he froze.
They were all perfect.
Every single one.
H-how is that possible?
Professor Lane turned slowly, staring at Riley, who looked completely at ease. Doubt—and something dangerously close to self-doubt—filled his eyes.
How could a fool score full marks?
These weren't standard questions.
Professor Lane had just reviewed them—newly designed problem types that Ethan had only recently brought back from the Academic Committee.
They had been used this time solely because of the exam leak.
Those materials could never have been leaked.
Which meant Riley hadn't cheated.
No… that can't be…
At that moment, the female lecturer spoke again. "I've heard that sometimes, people with certain cognitive limitations can display exceptional abilities in specific areas. Maybe Riley is one of those cases."
Vice President York's expression darkened. He stood up and forced out a dry laugh. "Well, as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up. It seems Riley has nothing to do with the exam leak. We still need to continue investigating. Ethan, let's go."
Ethan nodded. As he passed Riley, a sharp glint flickered behind his glasses.
Riley watched Vice President York retreat, a trace of ridicule flashing in her eyes.
The female lecturer, on the other hand, looked delighted. "Riley, you're truly gifted! Timothy, I wonder if what you said earlier about not wanting her still stands?"
Professor Lane's expression turned ugly. After a long pause, he nodded stiffly.
"That's wonderful." The female lecturer smiled brightly. "Since you don't want her, I'll take her. Riley, would you like to transfer to Class Two with me?"
Riley hesitated.
She wanted to refuse—but the lecturer's eager, almost pleading expression made it hard to say no.
So she nodded, feigning innocence.
The female lecturer was overjoyed and rushed out to handle the transfer paperwork with Vice President York.
In an instant, the spacious lecture hall was left with only Professor Lane and Riley.
Professor Lane cleared his throat awkwardly. "Since you've cleared your name, I'll go arrange your transfer now."
He reassured himself—
So what if she got full marks? She's still a fool. That won't change.
Just as he turned to leave, Riley's voice stopped him.
"Professor Lane, you haven't apologized yet."
He froze. His expression twisted instantly.
What did this fool just say?
She wanted me to apologize?
Who she thinks she is?
Riley continued calmly, "You said it yourself earlier. If I proved my innocence, you would apologize publicly. Publicly might be too much—but since there's no one else here, I'll accept a private apology."
Professor Lane's face flushed, then paled.
There might not be anyone else in the room—
But there were cameras.
No way was he going to apologize to an "fool" in front of the entire school.