Chapter 98

Ashleigh adjusted the strap of her bag as she walked into her department, trying to keep her shoulders straight and her head high despite her nerves. Stiil, the buzz that erupted as she entered the class told her the news had already spread farther than she expected. The article Arthur sent this morning was now the latest buzz on campus. HOT: Ashleigh Hartman Spotted on Campus Yesterday with Security Detail! Click Here to Read the Full Article… The headline still echoed in her mind, she was unable to think of anything else after she finished reading it. Her heart pounded harder with every scroll as photos of her arrival, a blurry video of Tristan and Jake flanking her near the hostel. They speculated about her 'wealthy sponsor", giving theories about why she suddenly had so much security when she'd gone unnoticed in the first few weeks on campus. One paragraph even hinted that she was in 'protective custody," though it didn't say what reason. Although the article didn't mention Adrian directly, it's intention was very clear: to arouse interest on who was behind her, maybe enough to make students start digging. Ignoring the side comments and glances, she kept her eyes ahead and glanced through the class for an empty seat. She spotted Damien in the middle row, already seated and looking straight at her. Relief fluttered in her chest, but as she took a step she hesitated, remembering they weren't exactly close anymore. Instead, she slid into a seat by the window, tucking herself into the corner of the desk. If she kept quiet, maybe the buzz would die down. A moment later, someone slid into the seat beside her. She glanced up to see Damien setting down his bag. "You... you don't have to sit with me," Ashleigh mumbled. Damien scoffed lightly, pulling out his laptop. 'Stop making it sound more complicated than it is." Their eyes met, and his expression softened slightly, surprising her. 'Arthur told you not to think too much about that article, but knowing you, you've already spiraled." A faint smile tugged at her lips. Damien couldn't stay away even when he was angry, and still came to sit with her. On seeing her smile, he turned back to his screen with a scowl. 'Anyway. I'll sit here now. So just… don't make me regret it." Ashleigh nodded, grateful but amused. She was about to tease him when the classroom doors opened again. Samantha, Diane, Cameron and Alana walked in, passing by her desk without a glance. She hadn't expected anything else though, so she was unfazed by it. The final group of people walked in, but they were older and officially dressed, causing the room to fall silent. A man stepped forward from their midst, his eyes running over the whole classroom. 'Good day everyone. We are here from the department of Biochemistry to give a general address." An elderly woman stepped forward next with a curt smile on her lips. 'Good day everyone, I am the Department's Assistant Head and I am here on behalf of the Head of Department to officially welcome you to the second part of this semester. We congratulate you all for making it thus far" The class resonated with applause from the students which settled after a while, and she continued. 'As you've likely seen, your midterm results are out. Those with low performance must work harder to improve their grades by the end of this semester or face probation. We take this seriously." A collective murmur of agreement rippled through the room. 'For those who did well, we commend your efforts and encourage you to carry. And now, for the part most of you are anticipating, we're here to formally announce the students who will represent the department in the Global Academic Showcase." Excitement sparked across the room. 'There were delays in this announcement due to some earlier misunderstandings," the woman said, her gaze flickering briefly toward Ashleigh. 'But those matters have been resolved, and now the department is ready to proceed." She stepped aside for Professor Patel, who held a printed list. Clearing his throat, he began, 'I'll be announcing from fifth to first: Justin Edgar, Elara Raymond, Cameron Watson, Alana Russell…" He took a pause. 'The student with the highest score who will be leading this team is…. Ashleigh Hartman." Ashleigh's breath caught. and for a second, she didn't move. Then the applause erupted from the class, she exhaled slowly and gave a small, stunned smile. Damien raised a brow at her as he applauded, smugly mouthing, ‘We told you.' After the claps died down, Professor Patel gave a curt nod before continuing, 'With the team confirmed, we will now begin preparations for the competition by…" 'But nothing is settled yet, Professor. We need to pause." All heads turned to the voice, Samantha. She rose from her seat with ease, folding her hands in front of her with a displeased expression on her face. 'Is there a problem Miss Milicent?" The Assistant HOD asked, brow raised. 'I apologize for the interruption, but I suppose I can speak freely right?" She asked unfazed. They nodded, and she gave a brief glance at Ashleigh. 'Respectfully, I along with some students here believe this decision still needs to be reconsidered." The room erupted in small whispers, while Ashleigh felt her heart sink to her stomach. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Damien's jaw clench as he adjusted on his seat. Professor Patel adjusted his glasses 'And why is that?" Samantha gave a tight smile. 'While there are no questions about Miss Hartman's grades, there are still other concerns. She has been the center of a lot of negative attention recently, and some of us believe her involvement might compromise the department's image" Ashleigh sat straighter, her jaw clenched as she faced her. 'That incident was proven to be a scheme, and all accusations made against me were cleared. Besides, it has nothing to do with my academic performance, Samantha." Diane shot up beside her. 'That may be true, but this is a global competition we're talking about here. Perception matters here, and if the leader of the junior team is seen as controversial, it reflects poorly on us all." She looked to see some nods of agreement, and even some of the staff discussing amongst each other. Damien, who was getting irritated, leaned forward with a glare. 'Can you even hear yourselves? Would you prefer Ashleigh be disqualified based on a rumor? Based on an incident that occured due to someone else's actions?" Diane gave a passive shrug, her voice light. 'We just think it won't harm if the department reconsiders one more time, especially with the competition being public. Apparently, even some trustees are reportedly displeased about the incident." That made Ashleigh pause. 'Trustees? Are they already making moves against her?" While she processed the new information, Damien besides her was fed up with their words. He was about to stand up but was stopped by the door opening once again. This time, the Head of Department walked in with a chilling aura, and the room fell silent. Samantha and Diane sat down. His face was grim as he stepped forward, keeping a firm gaze on the classroom. 'That's enough." he said simply, scanning the room before continuing. 'There are valid arguments on both sides. However, this institution does not base its academic choices on gossip or social media speculation.. We have no doubt in our chosen candidates in any form." He let the words settle before continuing.'However, the Global Academic Showcase is more than a contest, it is a representation of our department's excellence on an international platform. In recent days, we've received inquiries from trustees and the administration questioning the selection process. Therefore, it is our duty to preserve the integrity of our decisions. He looked at the students one by one. 'To eliminate all doubt and demonstrate fairness, we will hold a public academic challenge during next week's Natural Science Fresher Showcase." Gasps and murmurs broke out in the class again. 'The top ten students from the midterms will compete. The final five representatives will be determined by this challenge. The top five scores win, the highest score will lead the junior team." Ashleigh's heart skipped. A public challenge meant attention, which meant pressure from people watching, she'd be a spectacle. And if she didn't come out on top, it would be seen as proof that she didn't belong in the first place, or worse, she cheated her way in. 'Do the top five students agree to this condition?" the HOD asked, breaking her out of her thoughts. One by one, voices of agreement echoed around her. 'Yes, I have no problem," said Cameron. 'Fine by me," from Elara. 'Okay," from Justin 'I agree, Professor" Alana said smoothly when it was her turn. 'It won't be a difficult task for me, and all misconceptions will be addressed publicly." Ashleigh met her gaze evenly, refusing to blink. She knew what she meant, but she wouldn't be giving Alana or anyone else the satisfaction of seeing her flinch or fail. 'I accept," she said, her voice cold and sure. 'And when I win again, I expect all doubts to be silenced." Alana smiled sweetly.'Of course. May the best candidate win." Authors note: To read the rest please check alphanovel or goodnovel. Thank you for your support!!