When Emma saw Liza calmly take out her phone, an uneasy feeling crept into her chest. “Liza, what are you doing now?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Liza offered a serene smile and replied, “Oh, nothing much. I just called the police.” Her tone was light, almost casual. “You see, unlike some people, when I’m faced with trouble, I don’t throw myself into a frenzy or invite disaster. I rely on the law for protection.” Her gaze shifted back to Emma, and she added with a faint smirk, “Before they get here, you might want to take a moment to look up the consequences of intentionally spreading false rumors. It’ll help you prepare for what’s coming.” With those words, Liza scanned the crowd, her sharp eyes locking onto the faces of the spectators, ensuring she wouldn’t forget any of them. Just as she turned to leave, a voice called out sharply. “Liza!”Brandon had arrived, drawn by the commotion. His expression darkened as his gaze fell on Emma, still looking disheveled and pitiful. He stepped forward, his tone a mixture of reproach and disbelief. “Liza, what are you trying to do? Yes, Emma was wrong to say those things, but look at her—she’s already in such a miserable state. Can’t you just let it go? What do you gain by driving her to the brink? Have you considered what the university will think of you if she does something drastic? Her death would be on your hands. Would you be able to live with that?” Liza didn’t bother to stop or even glance in his direction. She continued walking, her steps steady and unbothered. Engaging with such baseless accusations wasn’t worth her time. Watching her retreating figure, Serena sighed, feigning concern. “Brandon, my sister is becoming so stubborn. I don’t even know if it’s for better or worse…” Brandon frowned but softened his expression for Serena’s sake. He couldn’t bring himself to criticize her openly, knowing she always tried to treat Liza with kindness. Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, he said, “Forget it. She won’t listen to reason now. One day, when she faces the consequences of her actions, she’ll realize we were only trying to help her.” Several bystanders, recognizing Brandon’s status, quickly chimed in to support his view. “Mr brandon and Miss Serena are so patient with her, but she doesn’t even care. Typical behavior from someone who grew up in the countryside—no manners at all.” “Exactly,” another added. “She even had the audacity to call the police just now. Does she even understand what she’s done? Maybe she’s calling them to arrest herself!” Leaning lightly against Brandon’s shoulder, Serena spoke in her usual soft and understanding tone. “I never thought my sister would actually call the police. Maybe Miss Emma’s words hurt her too deeply, and she acted on impulse.” Brandon nodded, his agreement reinforcing their assumptions. In his eyes, Liza’s behavior only proved her guilt. “She must be hiding something,” he concluded, his voice tinged with disdain. “That’s why she’s lashing out at Miss Emma, who was only telling the truth.” The murmurs around him grew louder, echoing his sentiment. Liza’s actions were painted as malicious and defensive, a desperate attempt to silence those who dared expose her. To the crowd, her decision to involve the police seemed like a foolish move—an act of ignorance and desperation. “She’s so vicious,” someone muttered. “She’s willing to go to any lengths just to keep her secrets buried.” “She’s not just cruel—she’s stupid,” another whispered. “Who calls the police on themselves?” As the crowd finally dispersed, Emma let out a heavy sigh of relief. Clutching the box of money tightly, she forced a small grin through her discomfort. Despite the physical pain from the ordeal, she consoled herself—it was all worth it for the payout. Most of her injuries were merely the work of expertly applied makeup, though a few were genuine to make her act convincing. After years of flaunting her authority as a university tyrant, this level of suffering was something she wasn’t accustomed to.Bent over slightly, she shuffled her way forward, eager to leave the campus. But just as she neared the university gates, a chilling sight stopped her in her tracks. Several polished leather shoes came into view, lined up like a wall. The men who wore them suddenly stepped aside, creating a path. Down that path, a tall man strode forward, his presence so imposing it made the air around him feel heavier. A cold wave of dread washed over Emma. She instinctively stepped back, her voice shaking as she stammered, “W-Who are you?” The rain poured relentlessly, the sound of droplets masking the faint trembling in her voice. One of the men accompanying the imposing figure handed over an umbrella, shielding him from the downpour. Gavin stopped a mere three steps away from her. His aura was suffocating, his gaze cold and unrelenting. Unable to retreat further, Emma stumbled and fell to the wet ground. Her heart pounded as she looked up at the man before her, his handsome face framed by an expression devoid of warmth. “Are you Emma?” Gavin’s voice was as frigid as a winter gale, each word slicing through her like shards of ice. Emma swallowed hard, her mouth dry despite the rain drenching her. “W-Who… who are you?” she croaked. “You don’t need to know who I am,” Gavin replied, his tone laced with indifference. Without further preamble, he took a pistol from the man beside him and pointed the cold barrel directly at her forehead. “Do you know,” he began slowly, “that the moment you slandered Liza, I already wanted to end you?” Emma froze, her wide, terror-stricken eyes locked on the weapon. Her trembling lips failed to form a coherent response. Gavin studied her reaction for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint shake of his head, he sighed as though disappointed. “Unfortunately for you, that woman—Liza—is far too kind. She begged me to let you live. She has a pure heart, and out of respect for her, I spared your life.” He leaned in slightly, his sharp gaze cutting through her like a blade. “But why, Emma, do you insist on squandering the mercy you were given? Why don’t you know how to value your own life?” The fear in Emma’s eyes deepened, her pupils dilating as if the realization of her predicament had finally hit her. Her entire body shook as she sat there, drenched and pitiful, unable to speak or even cry. George, Gavin’s right-hand man, stepped forward. Adjusting his glasses with a calm demeanor, he glanced at the box Emma was clutching desperately. A faint smile played on his lips as he said, “This is the payment, isn’t it? One hundred thousand yuan, courtesy of Mrs Victoria i.” He paused, his tone turning faintly mocking. “One hundred thousand yuan... that’s what your life is worth. I must admit, it’s quite a generous valuation.” Emma’s grip on the box tightened, but her courage had completely drained away. All she could do was stare helplessly at the two men before her, their disdainful gazes making her feel smaller than ever.