Evan was destined to fail.
Because Riley remained completely unfazed. "Like I said, he can't help me."
Her gaze shifted to the file in Ethan's hand. "Is that the disciplinary notice for Class Seven?"
Ethan frowned, clearly losing patience. He glanced at his watch. "If you have something to say, say it quickly. I'm busy."
Riley didn't back down. "What I want to say is about Class Seven. They didn't cheat. Isn't this notice a bit… rushed?"
"So you're from Finance Class Seven," Evan cut in, his tone laced with disdain. "Just because you didn't cheat doesn't mean the rest didn't. Everyone in this school knows what kind of people Class Seven is. Cheating? That's exactly what we'd expect from them."
Riley's eyes turned cold. "So you have no evidence—just prejudice—and you've already made your conclusion?"
Evan choked on his words, his face darkening.
Ethan stepped in, frowning. "This is the university's decision. We're just delivering the notice. If you have objections, take it up with the administration."
Riley let out a soft scoff. "That's exactly what I intend to do."
She paused, her voice calm but firm. "Mr Harper, wait here for a moment. Then come with me to Class Seven."
With that, she turned and walked off without another word, heading straight for the vice president's office.
One minute later, Vice President York, who had always preferred to stay out of trouble, actually walked out alongside several other lecturers.
And at the front of the group was Riley.
Dressed in a red dress, her aura sharp and commanding, she looked like she was leading a group of middle-aged men into battle.
Evan was momentarily stunned by her presence.
Then, almost unconsciously, he followed them.
Those old-fashioned lecturers… actually listening to her?
***
Meanwhile, in a lecture hall packed with students from Class Seven.
The atmosphere was tense.
No one spoke.
Poor grades were one thing. Being labeled spoiled rich kids was another.
But cheating?
That was about integrity.
"Do you think the punishment decision is coming soon?"
"But we didn't cheat! Why are they treating us like this? This is pure bias!"
"Bias or not, what can we do? With our grades and how we got in, who else are they going to blame? Damn it—if they pin this on me, I'm not taking it lying down!"
"Enough!" Henry snapped, his voice sharp with frustration. "Let me think of something. Class Seven cannot carry this stain."
The room fell silent.
Then, a quieter voice spoke—just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Isn't this all because of you? You're always bragging about your computer skills. Now people suspect us because of it. They don't even have evidence, and they've already decided we're guilty."
Henry exploded. "What the heck did you just say? How is this my fault? Yeah, I know some hacking—but I've never hacked their systems just to steal some stupid exam paper!"
Howard quickly grabbed him before things escalated. "Alright, alright. Let's not fight among ourselves. We need to figure out a solution first."
After calming Henry down, Howard glanced at the class group chat.
The only message Riley had sent today was asking whether they had cheated.
That was it.
He couldn't help but feel resentful.
Something this big had happened—and she hadn't even shown up.
What kind of lecturer is that?
But just then—
A student in the front row suddenly gasped. "They're here! The lecturers are here—wait, no… there are a lot more people with them…"
Everyone's hearts sank.
Looks like… this blame is really going to fall on Class Seven.