Liza’s expression remained calm, her faint smile unwavering. “It’s yet to be determined who will be leaving the university,” she said, her tone light but confident. The vice chancellor had summoned both her and Ava, but he hadn’t specified who the target of the meeting was. Ava, however, was brimming with glee, already convinced of Liza’s impending dismissal. She had overheard the vice chancellor in conversation earlier, promising to address the matter. This assurance had fueled her arrogance. As they arrived at the office, Ava knocked confidently on the door. “Come in,” the vice chancellor’s voice called from within. Ava wasted no time. As soon as the door opened, she burst in, her voice laced with contempt.“Vice Chancellor, Liza didn’t even sit for the college entrance exam and entered the university through connections. Someone like her has no place here! For the sake of the university’s reputation, she must be fired immediately!” The vice chancellor, who had been seated behind his desk, froze when his eyes landed on Liza. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his hands trembled ever so slightly. The weight of the warnings he had received earlier loomed large in his mind. He cleared his throat, trying to maintain composure. “Let’s not jump to conclusions, Ava. Please calm yourself.” Ava, emboldened by her assumptions, refused to back down. “Vice Chancellor, Li City University cannot allow someone like Liza to tarnish its reputation! If she isn’t removed from her position, it will be impossible to maintain the trust of students and faculty alike!” The vice chancellor nodded mechanically, his fingers nervously gripping a pen. He glanced briefly at Liza, but her serene expression gave nothing away.Ava smirked, reveling in what she thought was her victory. She turned to Liza, her voice dripping with mockery. “This is what you get, Liza. You dared to stand against me and Serena, but now the tables have turned. Soon, everyone at the university will know you’ve been dismissed in disgrace. Let’s see how you show your face after this!” Liza’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. She had no intention of wasting her time on this ridiculous display, but Ava’s relentless need to provoke her left her with no choice. If Ava insisted on charging headfirst into her own downfall, Liza wouldn’t stop her. The vice chancellor, visibly uncomfortable, hesitated before speaking again. “It’s true that Liza didn’t take the college entrance examination…” … Twenty Minutes Earlier Gavin sat comfortably on the sofa, holding a delicate cup of tea. His demeanor was calm, yet there was an undercurrent of icy authority in his gaze. “Vice Chancellor,” he began, his tone casual but carrying an unmistakable weight. “I hear your son is currently negotiating a collaboration between his company and Stone Corporation?” The vice chancellor, being an astute man, instantly grasped the underlying warning in Gavin’s words. His face paled as his voice wavered. “President Gavin… please, could you tell me how my son might have offended you?” George stepped forward, his expression dark and unreadable. “Vice Chancellor, what did Mr. James tell you just now?” The vice chancellor hesitated, panic flashing in his eyes. He had recently spoken to Mr. James, who had come to report that Liza had joined Li City University without taking the college entrance examination, allegedly entering through improper means. The vice chancellor had been aware of such instances before. It wasn’t uncommon for people to secure positions through connections, often accompanied by generous gifts. While Liza had not handed him any money, the fact that she hadn’t taken the college entrance examination made her an easy target. For the sake of the university’s reputation, he had been inclined to consider firing her. That was until Gavin walked in with his team. Now, the vice chancellor felt cold sweat trickle down his back as he stammered, “Mr. James mentioned that someone might have gotten into the university improperly. But President Gavin, this… it’s not a serious matter…” Gavin’s gaze sharpened, and his voice dropped to a dangerously low pitch. “Not serious? Who told you it’s unimportant?” The vice chancellor froze, his words caught in his throat. “She… She’s connected to you, President Gavin, but I didn’t realize…” Gavin interrupted coldly, his tone leaving no room for debate. “You should address her properly—as Mrs. Stone.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto the vice chancellor’s. “My wife has a kind and gentle nature, but I, on the other hand, am not so forgiving. I don’t want to hear rumors that tarnish her name. If my wife is upset, I won’t hesitate to take action.”The vice chancellor’s legs gave out, and he collapsed to his knees. His face had turned ghostly pale, and his body trembled visibly. “President Gavin, I didn’t know. I swear, I didn’t know Mrs. Stone’s identity! Please, have mercy…” Gavin’s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. “If my wife is dismissed, she’ll undoubtedly be upset. And if she’s upset…” His voice trailed off ominously, the unspoken threat hanging in the air. “I’ll ensure that the person responsible shares her pain—permanently.” The vice chancellor’s head bobbed as he stammered in desperation. “I-I’ll launch a full investigation! I’ll make sure Mrs. Stone’s name is cleared. She won’t be dismissed. I promise, President Gavin!” George stepped closer, his voice calm yet menacing. “Vice Chancellor, do you recall Ava? How much money did you accept to secure her entry into Li City University?” The vice chancellor’s heart sank. His mind raced, his thoughts jumbled. “That… That was years ago…” he stuttered, his voice trembling. “But I swear, I’ll investigate everything thoroughly. I’ll ensure justice is served!” At that moment, the vice chancellor’s only concern was survival—not just his career but his very life. Present “Vice Chancellor!” Ava’s impatient voice snapped the room back to the present. She stormed forward, her expression smug. “When will you be firing Liza? Surely you’ve made your decision!” The vice chancellor flinched, his nerves fraying as he turned to face her. His voice quivered as he finally spoke, “Indeed, the matter of Teacher Liza’s qualifications must be addressed… I’ll make the announcement now.” He wiped his brow with a trembling hand, silently praying that his words wouldn’t bring further wrath upon him.