Chapter 47

Physics students clustered in small groups, their gazes flickering toward Evelyn Laurent in the corner.

They kept a deliberate distance, as if she carried some contagious disease.

Sophia Lowell stood at the center of the crowd, basking in attention.

Though she wore a mask, the smugness in her eyes was unmistakable.

She toyed with a strand of hair, her icy stare fixed on Evelyn, who sat alone.

"Evelyn Laurent..." she sneered inwardly. "This is what happens when you cross me."

Three boys hovered around her like loyal hounds, whispering to those nearby.

"I heard she didn't even take the college entrance exam..."

"Must've gotten in through shady connections..."

"Tch. Look at her acting all aloof..."

The murmurs slithered through the crowd like venomous snakes.

Sophia coughed lightly, feigning concern. "Don't say that. Evelyn just... doesn't know any better."

She glanced at Evelyn, only to find her still staring at her phone, fingers flying across the keyboard.

Her research with Professor Benjamin Klein had been incredibly fruitful these past few days.

"It's Ethan Sullivan!"

"Ethan Sullivan is here!"

A burst of shrieks shattered her focus.

On the stage, Ethan stood in a crisp suit, his gold-rimmed glasses lending him an air of refined gentleness.

His gaze swept over the crowd before settling on Evelyn.

The screams intensified.

"He's looking this way!"

"Oh my god, he smiled at me!"

Evelyn frowned and lifted her head, meeting Ethan's eyes for a brief moment.

Without a flicker of expression, she looked back down at her phone.