Nathalie stayed cool as a cucumber, replying with a simple, "Yes." Her calm


    demeanor left the other student feeling like she''d just swung a punch at thin air- her attempt to rattle Nathalie fell t.


    Not giving up, the ssmate tried a new angle. "Ashley, I heard you''re the CEO of Stewart Enterprise. But you''re not a business major, and your resume doesn''t exactly scream impressive. How do you lead employees who might have better qualifications?"


    Nathalie, with her eyes closed as if half-asleep, responded casually, "Excellence is defined by leaders, not by those they lead. In my book, having a degree isn''t the only measure of greatness. Some of our best folks at thepany don''t have the fanciest diplomas."


    The ssmate was left speechless, caught off guard by Nathalie''s sharp and articteeback, especially since she seemed so mild and unassuming.


    The guys, who''d been quietly letting the ssmate challenge Nathalie, jumped in now that the situation flipped.


    "Vivian, she''s not being hostile. You know how straightforward engineering folks are-they speak their minds. Honestly, she admires leaders like you," Diego chimed in to smooth things over.


    The ssmate''s eyes shed with a hint of scorn, clearly not seeing Nathalie as the brilliant leader others did.


    Nathalie, not one for over-the-toppliments, shot back, "Why look up to others? To me, everyone''s on the same ying field. CEOs and employees alike, we''re all just working folks."


    A male ssmate pped enthusiastically, "Ashley, you hit the nail on the head. Managers could learn a thing or two from you."


    The ssmate took another dig, "Male managers are alright, but I can''t stand some female managers-they''re alwayspeting with each other..."


    She finished with a pointed look at Nathalie.


    Nathalie was baffled by the hostility. She had no beef with this woman, yet everyment seemed aimed at her.


    Not one to back down, Nathalie fired back, "The workce is no cakewalk. Competition isn''t just among women; men do it too. It''s survival of the fittest-a naturalw no one can change."


    After that, Nathalie shut her eyes again, done with the conversation.


    The ssmate was left wondering if Nathalie even understood the term "femalepetition."


    When Nathalie followed Diego to the club, she was momentarily stunned by its name.


    It was Benjamin''s club.


    They went straight into a spacious


    private room, big enough for about a


    hundred people. It was cozily


    decorated to suit the reunion''s theme, with a schrly vibe.


    Upon spotting Diego, the ssmates erupted.


    "He''s the ss genius."


    "And the school heartthrob."


    "Every girl''s dream guy."


    After the greetings, they teased Diego:


    "Diego, who''s the gorgeous girl with you?"


    Diego looked a bit awkward.


    Nathalie, remembering she was


    supposed to be his pretend


    girlfriend, confidently said, "I''m his girlfriend."


    "Wow, Diego, you''ve hit the jackpot. She looks like a goddess-way prettier than any celeb."


    Diego gave a sheepishugh.


    The girls who had a thing for Diego weren''t thrilled.


    "What are you talking about? Diego''s


    a catch himself. He''s not just


    good-looking and smart, he''s got great family background toodf you ask me, she''s the lucky one."