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Novel Catalog
Chapter_38
The atmosphere in the auditorium at Argrol University was charged with anticipation. Patrick, stepping forward, raised a hand and called for silence.
“Everyone, please be quiet,” he said.
The students, already on edge, assumed that Patrick was about to praise Yvette for her impressive performance and announce the results of the competition. After all, it was clear that Yvette had won. Her speech had been flawless, and the audience had been captivated. There was no need for a vote—Yvette had won, decisively.
But then, Patrick adjusted his tie and, with a sharp gaze, turned to face Yvette on stage. His voice took on an accusatory tone.
“Ms. Zeller,” he began, “Your speech was indeed impressive. However, I have one question that needs your explanation.”
Yvette’s Calm Response
Yvette, standing tall and composed, inclined her head slightly. Her voice was steady and confident as she addressed him.
“Go ahead,” she replied, unwavering.
The students around her could feel the tension in the air. Yvette’s calmness in the face of Patrick’s challenge was almost palpable. She was unshaken, a stark contrast to the students who had begun to feel uneasy under Patrick’s scrutiny.
Patrick was notorious at Argrol University for his sharp and often unfair criticisms. He was known for keeping students in his office for hours over minor infractions, and many students had been punished for trivial matters. Yet, despite his reputation, no one dared to challenge him, as he held power within the university.
Patrick’s Question: Doubt and Suspicion
Patrick paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. The students sensed that something was about to happen, but no one expected the venom in his next words.
“Ms. Zeller, you are as headstrong as ever,” he began, his gaze piercing. “I want to ask if this speech was truly written by you. As we all know, you come from a rural background, and your record shows that you lack even a basic education. How could you possibly speak Frixyia? And how could you give an off-the-cuff speech in just three days?”
His sharp words and even sharper gaze drilled into Yvette. His insinuations were clear: a girl from the countryside couldn’t possibly master such a complex language like Frixyia. The students around her began to murmur, their doubt growing in the face of Patrick’s questioning.
Doubt Spreads Among the Students
The whispers began to spread through the crowd. “Mr. Williams is right; how could Yvette possibly speak Frixyia? This does seem odd.”
“Indeed. Frixyia is extremely difficult to learn; we all know that,” another student added.
“Let’s hear what Yvette has to say.”
Bonnie and John stepped forward, standing by Yvette’s side in silent support. Tobias also rose from his seat and walked toward her, his presence calming the tension around them. The three of them formed an unspoken circle of protection around Yvette.
But Andrew, who was boiling with anger, was about to rush to her defense when Jeremiah stepped in front of him. With purposeful strides, Jeremiah walked toward Yvette, his air of nobility and confidence parting the students as they instinctively made way for him.
Patrick, who had been ready to scold Jeremiah, froze when he caught the glint of coldness in his eyes. It was as if a blade were aimed directly at him, and in that moment, Patrick was too intimidated to speak.
Jeremiah’s Support and the Growing Tension
Jeremiah, exuding calm confidence, turned to Yvette and, with a smooth voice, said, “Let’s go get some steaks.” His words, deep and charming, carried an air of finality.
Andrew, following closely behind, cast a smug glance at Patrick. “Yvette, let’s go. Forget about that old bastard!” he said, his tone dripping with disdain.
The students around them were taken aback by Andrew’s boldness. His words weren’t just shocking because of their audacity, but also because of the way he carried himself—handsome and fashionable, his confidence was impossible to ignore.
Some girls in the crowd couldn’t help but glance at Andrew and Jeremiah, their expressions shifting as they compared them to their boyfriends. A few even whispered to each other, clearly impressed by the pair.
But what truly shocked everyone was Andrew’s unapologetic call for Patrick to be an “old bastard.” The air seemed to crackle with a mix of shock and admiration.
Winona’s Jealousy and Sharon’s Anxiety
Winona, observing Jeremiah’s easy camaraderie with Yvette, felt a surge of jealousy. How had Yvette, someone who had only recently arrived, managed to meet such exceptional people? Even the professors from the physics department seemed to trust her deeply.
Sharon, who had been nervously watching from the sidelines, felt a mixture of jealousy and relief. With the attention now focused on Yvette and Jeremiah, she thought she might escape unnoticed, avoiding the need to apologize for her defeat.
But as she was about to slip out of the room, Yvette’s voice rang out clearly, cutting through the tension.
“Sharon, apologize to me.”
Sharon’s Defiant Response
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Sharon, who had reached the door. The meaning of Yvette’s words was clear: Sharon had lost but was trying to sneak away without owning up to it. The students, now fully aware of Sharon’s behavior, erupted in laughter.
Sharon, her face flushed with frustration, turned to face Yvette and the room. “I’m not apologizing,” she spat, her voice dripping with defiance. “What are you going to do about it? You’re just the daughter that the Chambers family dragged back from the countryside. Besides, Winona says your dad kicked you out to stay in the dorms. What do you have to be so proud of? My dad is friends with the head of the Lewis family, so you can’t force me to apologize!”
Sharon’s words hung in the air, and even Emily felt embarrassed. Losing the competition wasn’t shameful; what was disgraceful was Sharon’s attempt to use her family’s influence to avoid responsibility.
Emily’s Disappointment and Andrew’s Remark
“Sharon, just apologize. Losing isn’t shameful; acting like this is,” Emily said, her voice tinged with disappointment. “I’m very disappointed in you.”
Sharon refused to back down, her chin lifted in defiance. She remained unmoved by Emily’s words. Seeing this, Emily sighed, her disappointment clear, and walked out of the auditorium, deciding Sharon wasn’t worth her concern.
Andrew, ever the one to break the tension, remarked, “The Sullivan family? The Lewis family? I’ve never heard of them.” His casual dismissal of Sharon’s family name further deflated the weight of her threat.
