When I opened my eyes again, it was already the next day, and lying next to me was none other than Gideon.

With a complicated expression, he told me the truth—I had gotten caught up in a mess because of him. He promised to find out who was behind it and give me an explanation.

I could hardly believe it. With his money and influence, how had the surveillance footage leaked and ended up all over the university forum?

Professor Eldridge looked at me with open contempt. "I can't believe you're one of my students! This is absolutely disgraceful!"

Lena lowered her gaze, but the corners of her lips nearly curled up.

I froze in place, my chest tightening so much that it hurt to breathe.

I couldn't say that the man was Gideon. I had taken his money, which meant I had agreed to end it there. Dragging him into it would only hurt both of us.

So, I had no choice but to deny it. "The photo is fake! Someone set me up. I was working a shift at the hotel—that's all!"

Professor Eldridge hesitated. She knew my background and my grades. For a moment, her expression wavered.

"Professor Eldridge," Lena cut in softly, her voice trembling just enough. "Evelyn took that man's money yesterday. She even moved out of the dorm to live with him..."

"You're lying!" I snapped, staring at her.

She didn't even flinch. "Then show your transfer history. If you're innocent, prove it." Then, she turned to Professor Eldridge and sighed. "I didn't want to say anything, but if word of this gets out, it'll damage the university's reputation."

Professor Eldridge's expression hardened. "Hand over your phone! I'll verify it myself! Otherwise, I'll process your withdrawal from the university right now!"

I froze, my pulse pounding in my ears.

Meanwhile, Lena folded her arms, savoring the moment.

The live stream comments were already piling on.

"Gold-diggers always crash and burn!"

"She's just a side character. How dare she compete with Lena?"

"Wait till they kick her out of Kingsborough University!"

"She even dreamed of clinging to Gideon! Shameless!"

Lena snatched my phone and swiped across the screen before holding it up to show Professor Eldridge.

The screen showed my chat with Gideon. I had sent a message, but he hadn't replied to me. And then she showed the transfer record.

A flash of triumph crossed Lena's eyes, as if this was exactly what she had planned.

She leaned in and whispered softly so only I could hear, her voice dripping with malice. "You really think Mr. Hart wants you? Stop dreaming! You're nothing but a plaything to him."

Then, she straightened and handed the phone to Professor Eldridge. "This is proof."

Professor Eldridge's expression darkened. "In that case, we'll post a public announcement! People like you don't deserve to be at Kingsborough University!"

My throat tightened, and a chill spread through my fingers until they went numb. Lena watched me with a satisfied smile, as though she was looking at someone who was already doomed.

Just then, my phone buzzed in Professor Eldridge's hand.

Gideon, who had been silent until now, had finally reached out to me.