Chapter 60
Chapter 60:
Monday morning at the university administration building was chaotic. The air buzzed with nervous energy. A massive digital board in the main lobby was scrolling through student ID numbers and scores for the Advanced Economic Theory placement test.
This wasn’t just a grade. This was the gatekeeper. Only the top scorer would be considered for a mentorship with Professor Catherine Yinn, a position that opened doors to the global elite.
A crowd of hundreds surrounded the board. Tyler was at the front, holding court with his sycophants.
“I’m telling you, the old man was crazy,” Tyler was saying loudly. “He thinks his trashy granddaughter beat me. I got a 98 on the predictive modeling section p>
Arthur Vance walked in.
He was wearing the navy Italian suit. It had been tailored over the weekend, hugging his shoulders perfectly. He looked distinguished, powerful. He walked with his head high, Aurora on his arm.
The students parted for them, confused. Was this a visiting dignitary?
“Ready to apologize?” Aurora asked, her voice calm amidst the noise.
Tyler spun around. “You actually showed up? I hope you brought a spoon for your humble pie p>
The Dean of the Economics Department stepped out of his office on the mezzanine balcony. He held a microphone.
“Attention, students,” the Dean’s voice boomed. “We have a historic result this year. For the first time in the university’s history, we have a perfect score across all four disciplines of the Yinn Entrance Exam p>
Tyler straightened his tie. He puffed out his chest. “Told you,” he whispered to his friend.
“First place,” the Dean continued. “Ms. Aurora Vance p>
𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓉𝓮𝓇𝓈 𝒊𝓷
The name flashed in gold letters at the very top of the digital board.
Score: 100
Silence descended on the hallway. It was absolute.
Tyler’s jaw dropped. His face drained of color, turning a sickly shade of grey.
Arthur Vance threw his head back and laughed. It was a joyous, booming sound. “Did you hear that? Perfect score! That’s my girl p>
The students turned to stare at Aurora. She stood there, impassive, looking bored. To her, this wasn’t a triumph; it was a prerequisite. A box checked on a much larger to-do list.
Then, she reached into her bag.
She pulled out a plastic bottle of ketchup she had swiped from the cafeteria.
She walked up to Tyler and held it out.
“I brought seasoning,” Aurora said, her voice deadpan. “Leather can be dry p>
The crowd erupted. Laughter rippled through the lobby, turning into a roar. Phones came out, recording the scene.
Tyler’s father, who was on the phone nearby, heard the name “Vance” and the roar of the crowd. He hung up, looking at his son with pure disappointment.
Tyler stammered, backing away. “It’s… it’s a mistake. She cheated! She must have p>
The Dean frowned, leaning over the railing. “Are you questioning the integrity of this institution, Mr. Tyler? Or are you just a sore loser p>