After the principal finished speaking in a huff, he hurried off to catch up with Orion.

The president of the journalism club blurted out anxiously, "What now? I swear I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I don't want to get punished, let alone expelled!"

"Well, you're the one who said all that in front of the principal. Lemira earned everything on her own-she didn't rely on anyone else."

The student council president looked uncomfortable and instinctively glanced over at Lemira. At this point, she was the only person who could possibly resolve the situation.

But before Lemira could say anything, Stella stepped forward to shield her. "Lemira came over to explain things out of kindness, but some people just didn't appreciate it and insisted on making a scene. Now it's backfiring-you only have yourselves to blame."

"Exactly! They're just jealous of how accomplished Lemira is, so all they know how to do is play dirty tricks behind the scenes."

Oanice took Lemira's arm and said, "Let's go. There's no need to waste our time with these people."

Lemira didn't reply and simply left with her friends.

Meanwhile, the girl who had started the rumors was now frightened and stammered, "What should I do? I really don't want to be punished either."

“Oh, now you're scared? Why did you say those things in front of the principal and drag the rest of us down with you? I don't care—after all, you were the one who provided the photos and spread the rumors. You'll have to take full responsibility!"

The girl burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

What was she going to do now?

Outside, Lemira and her friends were soon surrounded by a crowd of students. "Lemira, you're incredible!"

“Lemira, are you really a shareholder in Maple Group? If your company goes public, will you be set for life?"

Lemira looked around at her classmates and replied, “Startups always come with risks. Who can say what the future will bring?"

Susanna watched Lemira bask in the attention and felt a surge of jealousy. She muttered, "Honestly, would Lemira's business be doing. so well without the Everhart family backing her? It all comes down to having a man in her corner

"Sometimes, knowing how to rely on a man is a skill, too," someone else replied.

Sophia felt a pang of discomfort.

She knew the secret she was holding could make a real impact-but only if she chose the right moment to reveal it. For now She would let Lemira have her day.

After chatting with her curious classmates for a while, the student council president approached. “Lemira, the school has arranged an interview, and they'd like you to participate."

"Alright, I'll head over now," Lemira replied.

As she followed him, Lemira caught sight of Orion talking with several

invited business executives. He

lounged casually in his chair, lipsnet

curling into a slight smile-butt, never reached his eyes. Lemira recognized the mask he was wearing.

The moment she appeared, Orion looked straight at her. When he did, everyone

else followed his gaze, their attention now fixed on Lemira.

The student council president led her over. "This way, just come with me. Don't be nervous."

Lemira took comfort in his kindness, smiled, and followed along.

But Orion found her smile oddly irritating, especially when he saw a young man at

her side trying to impress her. For some reason, it put him on edge.

Someone nearby noticed Orion's gaze lingering on Lemira.

So after the interview ended, a middle-aged man addressed Lemira in a commanding tone, "You there, young lady-come over and join us for a chat."

Lemira didn't care much for his attitude, but she walked over anyway.

"Have a seat next to Mr. Everhart."

But just as she approached, someone suddenly shoved her from behind—sending her tumbling right into Orion's arms...