Riley had become famous overnight—and it wasn't surprising.
Anyone who scored perfect marks on multiple exams in front of the entire student body would.
Imperial University's exams were notoriously difficult.
People still remembered that the last person to achieve full marks had graduated three years ago.
Carrying her stuffed bunny, Riley headed toward the lecture building. But just as she reached the entrance, she overheard a group of students talking.
"Did you hear? The exam leak was from Class Seven. That's seriously messed up. If they can't win fair and square, they just steal the questions."
"Class Seven is full of spoiled rich kids anyway. The university shouldn't have let them in. Now look—they've dragged the university's reputation down with them. Let's see how they fix this."
"I heard they're still refusing to admit it. But it doesn't matter Mr Sutherland is deciding how to deal with them."
"My uncle said they're planning to publish the entire Class Seven roster on the university's official website. Front page. As a warning. Until they graduate."
The group gasped.
"That serious? Then everyone in Class Seven will be labeled as cheaters forever…"
The more Riley listened, the deeper her frown became.
Just as she stepped into the lecture building, she suddenly turned and headed down another path.
Not far behind her, Felicia and the others had just entered as well.
Celeste frowned. "Class is about to start. Where is that fool going?"
Miranda snorted. "Why do you care? Come on, let's go. We've got that old geezer's class next. Let's see what happens when she shows up late."
Hearing that, Felicia, who had been silent, lowered her gaze. A strange glint flickered in her eyes as a plan quickly formed in her mind. She tugged Miranda and Celeste toward the lecture hall.
***
After leaving the lecture building, Riley changed her clothes, put on a mask, and headed to the academic building.
The moment she stepped inside, she saw Ethan holding a file folder, walking briskly toward the exit.
"Mr Harper," Riley called out.
Ethan adjusted his square-framed glasses and looked at her with a frown. "And you are?"
Riley looked like a student, but wearing a mask indoors struck him as disrespectful. His impression of her instantly dropped.
The man beside him, however, had a different reaction.
Evan looked at her, a smile spreading across his face.
He hadn't expected her to be a student at Imperial University.
The last time they met at the bar, he had assumed she was some delinquent drifting through society.
Now that he knew she was a fellow student, his attitude shifted immediately.
So she just lost her way for a bit.
I can guide her back to the right track.
Maybe, in time, she'd even become one of my admirers.
With that thought, Evan's smile grew warmer. "What brings you to the faculty office? You can tell me—I might be able to help."
Riley lifted her gaze, glancing at him briefly before replying in a flat tone, "This isn't something you can help with."
The smile on Evan's face froze.
His hand clenched slightly at his side.
This woman… no matter where she is, she's just as arrogant.
Suppressing his irritation, he forced himself to remain patient. "I'm the student council president, currently interning here in the faculty office. I can handle most student-related matters. Just tell me what you need."
Ethan added from the side, "That's right. If it's anything related to students, Evan can usually take care of it."
Hearing that, Evan lifted his chin slightly, looking at Riley with quiet pride—almost expecting to see admiration in her eyes.