The advisor from Class Two walked over, her expression full of apology. "Riley… do you remember when I asked Professor Lane to transfer you to my class in the faculty office?"
Riley nodded. She vaguely remembered it—but she hadn't taken it seriously, so it had slipped her mind.
Seeing her innocent, unguarded expression only made the advisor feel worse.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice heavy. "I tried to negotiate with Vice President York, but… he didn't agree to your transfer."
Riley quietly let out a breath of relief.
So that's it? I thought it was something serious.
She smiled and shook her head. "It's okay, professor. I can just go to another class."
The advisor's face turned even more troubled.
Riley blinked, her eyes widening.
Wait… don't tell me—
I couldn't even go to another class?
The advisor hesitated before speaking again. "It's like this… Vice President York said that since you're not suitable for Class One, you'll be transferred to Class Seven instead. The decision's already been finalized… I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have pushed for this in the first place."
She had tried everything—even brought up President Langford—but she still couldn't convince Vice President York.
And with Professor Lane's insistence, things had ended up like this.
Now, she had been the one sent to deliver the news.
This is just making me the villain…
She had heard rumors about Riley's powerful background. If whoever stood behind Riley found out—
She might lose her job.
The thought made her face pale.
Her resentment toward Vice President York and Professor Lane deepened.
Riley, unaware of her inner turmoil, simply assumed she felt guilty for having to say it.
She smiled gently. "It's really okay, professor. Class Seven is fine. Anywhere is fine."
The advisor nodded absentmindedly, watching Riley skip away.
Guilt lingered in her chest.
Such a kind, simple girl… and yet she's become someone else's scapegoat.
But Riley wasn't truly foolish.
She knew exactly what had happened.
Vice President York had lost face today in front of everyone. If he could, he'd probably tear Class Seven apart to vent his anger. At this point, anyone inconvenient would be thrown into that class without hesitation.
Fine.
Class Seven it is.
One day, I'll make all of them regret this.
Riley walked into Class One's lecture hall just as the bell rang for break.
"Oh look—the fool's here to pack up her things," Miranda sneered. "So what if you got full marks? You still got kicked out of Class One."
Rylie shot her a glare. "Shut up! Riley isn't being expelled from the university!"
Celeste rolled her eyes. "Being sent to Class Seven is basically the same thing. It just proves she's another useless backdoor admission."
"Exactly. You came in together, right? Look at Felicia—top five in the entire grade. Same family, yet one's in the sky while the other's stuck underground."
"You—" Rylie clenched her fists, stepping forward.
Celeste shrank back exaggeratedly. "Oh no, are you going to hit me? I'm so scared."
Felicia spoke up in a soft, reproachful tone. "That's enough, Celeste. My sister's already upset about being transferred. Don't say any more."
But the smile in her eyes betrayed her completely.
There wasn't a hint of concern—only barely concealed satisfaction.