With the truth exposed, everyone except Class Seven looked like they'd just swallowed something foul.
Evan was Ethan's nephew—and the student council president. It wasn't hard to imagine how he could slip into the faculty office and access the exam papers.
No one spoke.
The silence was suffocating.
Vice President York shot a furious glare at both Evan and Ethan before storming out with his hands clasped behind his back. The other lecturers followed, disappointment written all over their faces.
Ethan's expression was the worst of all.
If this wasn't handled properly, he'd be branded for negligence—or worse, for covering up for his nephew. His future at Imperial University would be over.
He narrowed his eyes at Riley. "You're quite capable, Miss. Impressive. Don't worry—the Class Seven students are no longer under suspicion."
With that, he dragged the pale, unsteady Evan out of the room.
The moment they left, thunderous applause erupted.
Class Seven's students looked at Riley with newfound admiration.
"Are you transferring into our class? Welcome to Class Seven!"
"You just did us a huge favor—seriously, welcome!"
"What's your name? Come sit here!"
There was just one thing they couldn't figure out.
How did she get in through connections with skills like that?
Riley paused, then let out a quiet sigh.
Probably because I look so young… I've been getting attention all day.
She picked up a piece of chalk, turned to the board, and wrote something on it
Then she turned back, her tone calm.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm your advisor— Professor Prime. If anything comes up, contact me immediately. I don't like being put in a passive situation like today. Our class will still be at seven tonight."
And just like that—
She left.
Decisive. Effortless. Cool.
Leaving the entire lecture hall staring at each other in stunned silence.
Three seconds later—
The room exploded with shouts and questions.
"Holy—was that the witch?!"
"What?! That's really her? She's so young—and gorgeous! I thought she'd be some old, ugly woman!"
"That was actually Professor Prime? The dual-degree PhD from Parkstone? The Imperial University's special lecturer? She's this young?!"
"So our advisor isn't some old hag—but a stunning, cool, badass woman?!"
"Oh no… I'm officially a fan."
Howard tugged at Henry's sleeve. "Bro, no wonder you couldn't beat her before. Look at her—who could beat that?"
Henry's face darkened, a chill running down his spine. "Shut up. You talk too much."
Howard pouted. "I'm just saying! If it weren't for her today, we'd all be blacklisted by now."
Henry turned away, refusing to respond.
But inside, one thought kept nagging at him—
How is she that good?
I couldn't even come close…
***
After changing back into her usual clothes, Riley headed straight toward Class One's lecture hall in the Faculty of Finance lecture building.
But just as she walked toward the building, hugging her stuffed bunny—
A voice called out behind her.
"Riley, wait a moment."
She blinked and turned around, confused.
Standing not far away was the advisor of Class Two.
Riley searched her memory and quickly recognized her—the only lecturer who had spoken up for her earlier in the faculty office.
Her impression of her improved instantly, and a bright, genuine smile appeared on her face.
Seeing that smile, the Class Two advisor's expression softened—but guilt flickered in her eyes.