Ava’s face twisted with anger as she glared at Liza, her hands clenched tightly into fists. The vice chancellor’s voice was calm but firm. “Ava, by your own logic, those who gained admission through the back door must be expelled. Back then, you paid three million yuan to enter this university. Such practices tarnish our institution’s reputation, and we can no longer tolerate them. I expect you to withdraw from the university immediately.” Ava’s voice rose in desperation. “I earned my place here! You’re lying! Did Liza pay you to slander me?” Just then, someone posted Ava’s college entrance examination scorecard on the university’s online forum. It clearly showed a score of 420—far below the admission threshold for Li City University. The vice chancellor sighed, his tone weary. “I admit that I accepted three million from you back then and made an exception to allow you to enroll. However, for the sake of the university’s reputation, I must now correct my mistake. Those who gain admission through the back door must face the consequences.” Ava’s entire body trembled. Her knees buckled, and she nearly collapsed to the floor. Outside the vice chancellor’s office, a crowd of students whispered among themselves. “So it’s true—she was projecting her own guilt onto Liza all along!” “She kept accusing Liza of backdoor admission, yet she was the one who bought her way in with three million? How shameless!” “For the vice chancellor to publicly admit his role in this scandal, it must be true. Ava’s lies are falling apart.” “She even tried to drag Liza’s name through the mud! What a joke.” Ava’s face was pale, and her voice was frantic. “It wasn’t me! James was the one who reported Liza! He’s the first family. This has nothing to do with me!”Liza arched an eyebrow, her tone light but cutting. “James? I don’t even know him. Why would he report me?” Her gaze was steady as she continued, “But none of that matters now. The truth is clear—I was specially recruited, and I’ll continue as a teacher here. You, on the other hand, are being expelled. Ava, it looks like your attempt to frame me has backfired spectacularly.” “No! This can’t be happening! Liza, you’ll pay for this!” Ava screamed, her voice echoing down the halls. But her protests were in vain. Security soon arrived and dragged her out of the office as she continued to shout in frustration. The crowd outside looked on, shocked at how the situation had unfolded. Ava’s attempts to tarnish Liza’s reputation had ended in her own expulsion. News of her paying her way into the university was bound to spread across Li City. No reputable institution would dare accept her now. As Liza stepped out of the office, the students instinctively parted to make way for her, their gazes filled with newfound respect. She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. So, James was the one who reported her? Interesting. Ava was nothing more than a pawn. The real mastermind was James. After Liza finished her classes, she noticed Gavin’s sleek car parked near the university gates. As soon as she approached, George stepped out and opened the door for her. She climbed in, settling into the seat beside Gavin. Gavin’s voice was calm and soothing. “You won’t have to worry about Ava causing you trouble anymore.” It was clear to Liza that Gavin had already dealt with the matter on her behalf. George muttered from the front seat, “The president warned the Carter Family a long time ago, but Ava still dared to provoke you, Young Madam. She’s truly overestimated herself. Now, she won’t be able to stay in Li City.”Gavin’s lips curled into a faint smile as he added casually, “It wasn’t just her. James was the one who orchestrated the report.” Liza nodded knowingly. “I just found out too.” His tone turned colder as his gaze sharpened. “I won’t let anyone who upsets you go unpunished, Mrs. Stone.” Liza tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes. “What are you planning?” Gavin’s voice was deliberate and measured. “Since he had the audacity to report you, I’ll ensure he knows what it feels like to be reported.” Her curiosity deepened. Could it be that James had skeletons in his closet as well? The car came to a smooth stop in front of Longwan Residential. Before Liza even stepped out, muffled voices drifted from inside the villa. “Alora, you’re Gavin’s childhood sweetheart,” came James’s agitated voice. “That woman is just a passing plaything. What gives her the right to push you away? She’s so insecure and jealous. Does she plan to drive away every woman around Gavin?” Liza froze mid-step, her eyes narrowing. Was that James? Was he really speaking ill of her inside her own home? James’s voice grew louder. “Alora, you’re too kind. You keep tolerating this nonsense, and that’s why she’s so arrogant.” Alora’s tone was soft and bitter, tinged with self-pity. “I only want what’s best for Gavin. I don’t want to put him in a difficult position. Honestly, things were so much better when we were younger. The few of us were carefree, unlike now. Meeting Gavin feels like an unattainable luxury.” James nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! No one can replace the bond you and Gavin share. That woman? She’s just a phase. Once Gavin gets bored, he’ll throw her out.” Gavin’s expression darkened as the words reached his ears. His aura turned cold and intimidating, his eyes sharp with disdain. At that moment, the butler approached hesitantly. “President Gavin, Mr. James and Miss Alora are here. I told them you weren’t available, but they refused to leave and barged in. I tried to stop them, but…”