The thought that Shanley was captivated by her beauty, and that she was on the verge of soaring to new heights, brought a triumphant smile to Ynda''s lips. So what if she couldn''t be the freshman representative? True talent shines anywhere.


    "Ynda, move to the front so Mr. Schwartz can get a better look at you," her friends urged excitedly.


    "Okay." Ynda smoothed her hair and adjusted her makeup, then stepped to the very front row. She lifted her chin like a proud peacock and gazed shyly at Shanley.


    After Juniper''s figure disappeared from view, Shanley''s gaze returned, the warmth in his eyes reced by an intimidating chill.


    "Mr. Schwartz, wee," President Lionel Landon and the other university leaders greeted him in turn.


    "Mm," Shanley replied with a slight nod, his demeanor polite but distant.


    "Ynda, maybe you''re not standing in a good spot. Do you think Mr. Schwartz can''t see you?" a ssmate asked curiously. "Why isn''t he looking this way anymore?"


    "Maybe," Ynda mumbled, frowning. It was strange. He had just been smiling in her direction a moment ago.


    "Hey, let her through..." one of Ynda''s sycophantic friends called out, trying to curry favor. "Ynda, move forward a little more. Mr. Schwartz ising this way!"


    Watching the man approach-so devastatingly handsome it was almost divine— Ynda''s heart beat faster and faster. That''s right. She had to try harder, capture his attention, and make him remember her for good.


    With that resolve, and with the help of her ssmates, Ynda pushed her way to the front.


    "Stop pushing!" The boys in front, getting shoved, grew angry and started pushing back at the girls behind them.


    Caught in the middle, Ynda couldn''t keep her bnce. Her body swayed precariously. Seeing Shanley was almost right in front of her, she decided to use the situation to her advantage and deliberately let herself fall forward. If all went ording to n, she wouldnd right in his arms.


    "Aah!" Ynda''s body tipped, and a sharp scream escaped her lips.


    Shanley, who was talking to the president turned his head at the sound. He caught a glimpse of a figure suddenly lunging toward him. His eyes narrowed in disgust and he instinctively sidestepped.


    "What the hell? Boss, watch out!" Seeing Ynda''s sudden ''flight,'' Flint''s protective instincts kicked in. He moved with lightning speed to block Shanley.


    "Thump!"


    Flint was a trained professional, and Ynda mmed into his iron-hard chest. She then bounced off and fell face-first onto the ground with a heavy thud.


    A collective gasp rippled through the crowd of onlookers. What was going on? Who would be foolish enough to cause such a scene on such an important day?


    "Which department is that student from?" Landon, terrified that his distinguished guest might have been frightened, immediately turned to his Secretary Have someone take her to the infirmary."


    Lying sprawled on the ground like that? It was aplete embarrassment to Era University!


    "Right away."


    The secretary wiped sweat from his brow and quickly gestured for a few male students, who scrambled to lift the dazed Ynda. The impact had left her with a bloody nose and a swollen lip, her hair messily hair messily stered to her face. She looked like a frightful mess.


    Hearing the snickers and whispers from the crowd, Ynda kept her eyes shut tight. She''d just y dead.


    "Mr. Schwartz..." Landon wore an embarrassed expression, offering an apologetic smile. "The student was out of line. I hope she didn''t startle you?"


    "It''s fine," Shanley said, a cool smile on his lips. Though his words were dismissive, his face had turned cold and grim.