Ava’s confidence in claiming she would take first place stemmed from one simple fact: Serena wasn’t participating in this round of the English test. In previous exams, Serena consistently ranked first, leaving Ava in second place. This time, with Serena out of the picture, Ava saw her chance to claim the top spot. Meanwhile, at the Academic Affairs Bureau, Serena was applying for a leave of absence with the help of Madam Victoria. The dean, always friendly, smiled reassuringly. “It’s alright if you miss this test. You’ve always performed exceptionally well. It’s just a shame you can’t participate because of your health. The winner this time will receive a recommendation for the International Real-time Translation Competition.” Serena’s expression faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly replaced it with a soft sigh. “It’s unfortunate, but I can’t control my body’s weaknesses.” In truth, her decision to skip the test wasn’t about her health at all. She had heard that this particular exam would determine the university’s representative for the prestigious international competition. Unlike before, when the exams were loosely monitored and she could ensure her top rank, this time, the scrutiny would be intense, leaving no room for her usual tactics. Rather than risk exposure, she feigned illness and opted out entirely. However, Serena wasn’t one to let an opportunity go entirely to waste. With a gentle smile, she added, “Although I can’t participate, my sister might be able to. Do you remember Liza?” The dean nodded thoughtfully. “Of course, I remember. She’s a teacher in the fashion design department, right? Remarkably young to have achieved such a position. She’s quite the enigma—she doesn’t spend much time on campus or mingle with others.” Serena’s smile grew softer, masking her true intentions. “Yes, that’s her. My sister has always excelled academically. Otherwise, how could she become a university teacher at our age? If the results from this test don’t yield a standout candidate, you could consider recommending her for the competition. She’s incredibly talented and would surely bring honor to the university.” The dean’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. He had been concerned about finding a suitable participant for the competition since Serena’s withdrawal. Liza’s credentials and reputation made her a promising candidate. Sensing the dean’s growing interest, Serena tactfully added, “But, of course, we can’t let her status as a teacher exempt her from proving herself. Perhaps she could take a test to evaluate her qualifications?” The dean paused, weighing the idea. “That’s a reasonable suggestion, but I’ll need to speak with Teacher Liza first to see if she’s open to it. Unlike students, teachers have different responsibilities, and I can’t impose this on her without her agreement.” As the dean finished explaining the unfolding situation, he added with a troubled sigh, "But there's another matter—Liza's students have decided to challenge Ava in the English test. Apparently, the stakes are rather dramatic. If they lose, there’s talk of kneeling, bowing down, and calling the other party ‘Daddy.’ Honestly, this is why we hesitate to hire teachers who are too young. They act impulsively and don’t consider the consequences of their actions.” “What?!” Madam Victoria’s eyes widened in shock as she practically leapt from her seat. “You’re telling me that useless Liza is competing against Ava in English?!” The dean, caught off guard by her outburst, blinked in confusion. Up until now, Madam Victoria had struck him as the epitome of grace and refinement. Her sudden fiery reaction left him speechless, shattering the elegant image he had of her. For a moment, he stammered, unsure how to respond. “Y-Yes… It seems there’s a competition involving the English test…” “That good-for-nothing!” Madam Victoria hissed, her voice laced with venom. “It’s bad enough that she’s entered a competition, but to agree to such humiliating terms? If she loses, how much shame will she bring to the Sinclair Family? That wretched girl has already caused us enough embarrassment! She has no sense of shame!” She clenched her fists in rage, her voice rising with each word. “If I’d known she was this much trouble, I would’ve gotten rid of her years ago by marrying her off to some faraway place. None of this would’ve happened!” The dean stood frozen, utterly at a loss. Just minutes ago, Serena had sung praises of Liza, describing her as an accomplished individual. Yet here was Madam Victoria, painting a drastically different picture, calling her a disgrace and a burden. Who was telling the truth? He opened his mouth to try to diffuse the tension, but before he could get a word in, Madam Victoria continued her tirade. “Why isn’t that worthless girl gone already?” Madam Victoria spat, her voice trembling with frustration. “All she ever does is ruin things for us! Does she have no conscience? The Sinclair Family’s reputation has suffered because of her! And still, she has the audacity to parade around at university? If I were her, I’d have ended it all out of guilt by now!” The dean’s expression darkened. He had never seen someone speak so callously about their own family member. The vitriol in Madam Victoria’s words shocked him to his core. Madam Victoria’s rage only grew as she thought back to how Liza had disrupted Serena’s attempt to solidify her standing at Longwan Residential. That single incident had dashed Serena’s chances of being recognized as the true eldest daughter of the Sinclair Family. Instead, Serena was left enduring whispers about her being an illegitimate child and facing hostility from powerful families like the Gus. In Madam Victoria’s mind, all of this was Liza’s fault. Seeing her mother spiraling, Serena quickly stepped in, placing a calming hand on Madam Victoria’s arm. “Mom,” she said softly, her voice tinged with concern, “I know you’re worried about my sister.” Her attempt to defuse the situation was calculated, though it appeared gentle on the surface. While her words sounded caring, they subtly reinforced Madam Victoria’s narrative, ensuring the dean wouldn’t view Liza in a favorable light.