?Chapter 1022:


    Ste’s gaze hardened. “What did you just say?” she demanded.


    Richie’s disbelief only deepened when he saw how firmly Ste stood up for Jeff. Straightening his posture, he sneered, “Seems Jeff’s quite the favorite among the professors. Even someone like you—who barely sets foot on campus—is eager to defend him.”


    The tone in Richie’s voice carriedyers of implication, each wordced with mockery.


    Jeff’splexion drained of color. “Stop twisting things. Whatever I have with the professors is purely academic, and Ste has no part in it!”


    Jeff could stomach their mockery, even their constant taunts, but dragging Ste into it crossed a line he couldn’t ignore.


    Disgust rippled through Ste—not only at their filthy insinuations, but at the sheer arrogance of those who dared to belittle Jeff.


    Drawing in a slow breath, she fixed Richie with a calm yet cutting gaze. “Tell me your name and major.”


    The heavier man standing beside Richie began to fidget, but Richie kept hisposure. “Ste,e on, we were only teasing Jeff. There’s no need to turn this into something bigger.”


    Ste arched a brow, her tone edged with disbelief. “You call that a joke? That only counts if the person being teased finds it amusing. Does Jeff look amused to you? You’ve crossed the line with your shoving, grabbing, and name-calling. Maybe I should bring this up with your department head instead?”


    Panic instantly spread across their faces. The shorter man, trembling, hurried to speak before Richie could stop him. “I’m sorry, Ste! We went too far. Everything we said was nonsense—just meaningless jokes!”


    Turning slightly, Ste cast a nce at Jeff standing behind her. “He’s the one you owe an apology to, not me.”


    The heavier man hesitated, then mumbled a few half-hearted apologies in Jeff’s direction.


    Ste’s eyes shifted to Richie, who still refused to back down.


    Your storytelling destination is gα?ησν????s


    “And you?”


    Rage simmered beneath Richie’s calm exterior, though he didn’t dare show it in front of Ste. Despite her not being a faculty member, her reputation among the professors was solid—every one of them held her in high regard.


    If she chose to report what happened, he knew the staff would take her word over theirs without a second thought.


    Knowing better than to provoke her further, Richie turned toward Jeff and offered a theatrical bow. “My apologies, Jeff!”


    Ste’s voice eased, though her authority remained. “The schrship evaluation follows strict guidelines. If you’re unhappy with the oue, discuss it with your mentors—don’t resort to harassing your ssmates. Understand?”


    “Yes… understood,” Richie answered in a low tone, eyes downcast and pride swallowed.


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