“I… I didn’t…” Serena stammered, her entire body trembling as if she’d been struck. Words failed her, and she stood frozen in the face of the growing tension. Seeing her flustered state, Judith stepped forward, determined to shield her. “So what if Serena posted it?” she shouted. “Everything on the forum is true! Liza is a mistress!” Serena’s reputation at Li City University had always worked in her favor. As the campus goddess with countless admirers, she had built a loyal following over the years. One male student, watching her cry, couldn’t help but waver. His expression hardened as he spoke. “Although Serena’s actions might have been a bit extreme, let’s be honest—rumors don’t start without reason. If Liza wasn’t someone’s mistress, how could such a photo even exist? This situation only arose because Liza acted inappropriately!” These remarks angered Liza’s supporters, who were quick to retort. “This is absurd! You’re twisting logic to justify Serena’s behavior!” The atmosphere grew tense, and it seemed as if a fight might break out. The dean, clearly flustered, stepped forward to intervene. “Everyone, calm down! This is a university, not a place for such chaos. There must be a misunderstanding here. Please, return to your classes. The university will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure everyone receives a satisfactory explanation.” Despite his pleas, neither side was willing to back down. The students supporting Serena sneered, their tone mocking. “Explanation? Please. The university will probably cover this up to protect Liza. After all, she’s Ruby co. They won’t risk losing such a high-profile designer on their staff.” This wasn’t just speculation. They were convinced that Liza’s identity would shield her, and they were determined to take matters into their own hands by going directly to the chancellor to demand action. Just as the tension reached its peak, a calm yet commanding voice cut through the noise. “Do you really think so little of the university?” Mason strolled over, his demeanor composed but his presence commanding immediate attention. His sharp gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke. “The accusations haven’t been proven, and the university hasn’t even begun its investigation. Yet here you are, confidently declaring Liza guilty based on a single photo. Is this the critical thinking of university students?” He took a step closer to the male student who had spoken earlier, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “Relax,” Mason said with a faint smile. “Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. Otherwise, you might find yourself punished by the university for causing a disturbance, while Liza walks away unscathed.” The male student tensed, unsure how to respond. He opened his mouth to speak but stopped, the weight of Mason’s words sinking in. Still, someone muttered from the crowd, “Why should we be punished? The photo exists for a reason. If Liza hadn’t behaved improperly, none of this would’ve happened.” Smack! The sharp sound of a slap echoed through the air. Mason had removed his hand from the boy’s shoulder and delivered a stinging slap across his face. “See? That’s a slap,” Mason said evenly, as if demonstrating a point. The boy froze, his anger rising but quickly suppressed. Mason wasn’t someone to cross. His influence at the university was unmatched, and any confrontation with him could jeopardize a student’s future, even their ability to graduate. The crowd fell into an uneasy silence. Mason, unfazed by the sudden shift in mood, took out a tissue and carefully wiped his hands. His voice was cold as he continued, “Until the truth comes out, I suggest you keep your accusations to yourselves. If I hear any more nonsense, there will be consequences.” His lips curled into a faint but chilling smile. His warning landed heavily on the group. They had no problem attacking Liza, assuming her status as Ruby co was her only defense. But Mason was a different story. His authority was untouchable, and none of them dared to challenge him. … Not far away, George stood fuming as he stared at Gavin. “President, how could Mason seize such a golden opportunity? Do you think he might have feelings for Young Madam? They went to the same university, after all, and they’ve known each other for years…” He started counting on his fingers, his voice growing increasingly anxious. “If Mason actually wants to pursue her, what chance do you even have against him?”Gavin shot him a cold, withering glare. “Stop talking nonsense. Let’s go.” “Huh? We’re just leaving? Just like that? Where exactly are we going?” Gavin didn’t bother answering. He simply gave George an indifferent glance that immediately silenced him. Meanwhile, Liza walked briskly down the corridor toward her classroom. Murmurs followed her every step as students nearby whispered to one another. “Isn’t that the woman from the forum? The one they said is some old man’s mistress?” “Yeah, can you believe she still has the audacity to show up? Shameless.” Their remarks rolled off Liza like water on a stone. She kept her hands in her pockets, her expression calm and detached as she continued down the hallway. She had no intention of letting their opinions faze her. However, her path was suddenly blocked by someone. “Liza,” came a familiar voice, sharp with judgment, “I never thought you’d stoop so low just for money.”It was Brandon. Having overheard the campus gossip, he hadn’t even bothered to check the forum for details. He rushed to confront Liza, his mind swirling with indignation over what he thought was the truth. “You’re the eldest daughter of the Sinclair family!” Brandon exclaimed, his tone full of disappointment. “How could you humiliate yourself like this? How much money do you even need to justify sinking so low? Sleeping with some old man for what? If you’re really in financial trouble, you could have just asked Uncle Sinclairfor help. And if he didn’t help, you could’ve come to me!” His words dripped with self-righteousness, as if he was offering her a lifeline. Liza’s expression remained composed, though a flicker of impatience crossed her face. It was clear she was done entertaining his misguided pity and misplaced moral outrage.