Chapter 182

Sophia Lowell's fingers trembled as she opened Harvard University's forum homepage.

Her pupils constricted at the posts flooding her screen.

"Evelyn Laurent's centennial gala performance—is this beauty even real?"

"From country bumpkin to goddess—Evelyn's glow-up is legendary!"

"What skincare does Evelyn use? Her complexion is flawless!"

With every refresh, new threads about Evelyn sprouted like weeds.

Sophia's nails dug crescent moons into her palms.

She scrolled down desperately.

Finally, on the third page's corner, she spotted a thread mentioning her.

"Sophia Lowell's Piano Trainwreck—Live Footage"

The phone nearly slipped from her grasp when she clicked it.

"Was that Reminiscences of Don Juan or Nightmares of Don Juan?"

"Next time, spare our ears and keep her offstage."

"All showmanship, zero rhythm—how embarrassing."

"That smug smile after butchering the piece? Who gave her the audacity?"

The comments were a unanimous roast.

Sophia's entire body shook.

She hurled her phone against the wall.

"Tasteless peasants!"

Her stiletto crushed a stray pebble underfoot.

She didn't notice the figure approaching from the shadows.

A pale hand shot out from the alleyway.

"Mmph—"

Sophia was yanked into the dim passage.

Acrid cigarette smoke choked her.

"S-Sebastian Royston?"

The man's venomous glare made her blood run cold.

"This was your foolproof plan?"

Sebastian gripped her chin.

"Now the whole campus worships Evelyn. Happy?"