33


    Chandler was full of rage, ready to reprimand the one who confronted him. However, as he turned, he met the stern gaze of Patrick Jensen, the president of Crescentville University, causing him to fall off his chair in shock. Quickly standing up, Chandler''s expression changed a lot, and he smiled obsequiously. "Mr. Jensen, what brings you here?"


    I


    "If I hadn''te, I wouldn''t have known that Crescentville University has a new authority," Patrick replied, his hairpletely white yet his demeanor lively and his eyes bright. "You''ve misunderstood!" Chandler''s face paled slightly; he dared not meet Patrick''s gaze. "Mr. Jensen, you may not know, but this student has been absent without cause for two years, not even giving notice. Now her parent havee to sign her withdrawal: I''m just following the rules." "Rules!" Shakira scoffed. "ording to Article 38 of Crescentville University''s regtions, a withdrawal must be initiated by the student in person; otherwise, it''s considered invalid Are the rules'' you speak of your own invention?" "You!" Chandler red at Shakira, but she ignored him, turning to Patrick.


    Patrick''s expression hinted at building emotions, while Shakira remained calm, exining clearly. Two years ago. I had an ident and couldn''t return home, but I followed the proper procedures to apply for a leave of absence." I''ve met all the the requirements to reinstate my enrollment had no knowledge of my withdrawal, and I no longer have a father-daughter rtionship with Lago Smith; he has no authority to withdraw me," she added. "I understand at Chandler your situation."


    "trick nodded. Without ncing at Cha


    addressed the faculty member outside. "Process her enrollment immediately."


    The faculty member acknowledged and quicklypleted the paperwork on theputer, handing Shakira her new campus ID. "Wee back."


    Shakira epted it with both hands. "Thank you."


    Patrick looked on, satisfied, and turned to leave. Chandler, feeling begrudged yet somewhat relieved, watched him go. However, just as Patrick reached the door, he suddenly stopped and said, "Mr. Lee, you''ve seriously vited the university regtions by maliciously bullying a student. Starting tomorrow, you''re no longer wee here."


    The statement effortlessly sealed Chandler''s fate. He was stunned, realizing he was losing his job over such a trivial matter. He immediately rushed forward to argue with Patrick.


    Male teachers and security guards outside quickly moved in, covering his mouth and dragging him away.


    As Shakira made her way downstairs, Patrick had not yet left; he was watching her from under a tree. She approached and slightly nodded in thanks. "Thank you, Mr. Jensen."


    The students were all in ss, and there weren''t many people on the campus path. Patrick, facing Shakira, no longer concealed his emotions; his eyes were red. "Ms. Nelson, no need to thank me. It''s been a year since west met. How have you been?" "Good: How''s Henry?" Shakira asked.


    At the mention of his son Henry, who had escaped from hell, Patrick sighed deeply.


    "Thanks to you, that rascal was able to escape from that terrifying ce. He''s quit gambling and is much more settled now, teaching art to freshmen. If he hadn''t recognized you, I wouldn''t have known you were back," he said,  W. 33All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    His expression darkened can''t believe we had such sc****m within our institution. Luckily, I arrived in time, you almost suffered a grievancel"


    Shakira shook her head. "It''s nothing serious. I didn''t mean to trouble you bying all this way."


    Patrick''s gaze was resolute. "Your matters are of great importance to us! I know there were some rumors two years ago. Don''t worry; I''ve already sent someone to handle it."


    Henry Jensen was a renowned emerging artist in Crescentville, full of talent and with a bright future ahead. Unfortunately, he fell victim to a so-called friend who led him into the depths of gambling.


    He became addicted, spiraling downwards, even deceiving his family into thinking he was studying abroad. But in reality, he ended up in Bris, where he was manipted by criminals.


    They kidnapped Henry and threatened Patrick with his fingers. At first, they demanded 300 thousand dors, then 1 million dors, 1.5 million dors, and even more. The ransom kept flowing, but their greed knew no bounds. If Shakira hadn''t rescued Henry, he would have been in serious danger.


    Shakira was startled when she faced the trembling Patrick who had stepped off the ne two years ago, pulling Henry-who was extremely weak-toward her to kneel. Now, she was much calmer.


    She didn''t refuse Patrick''s goodwill. She understood that if she didn''t let him do her a favor, he would feel guilty and ufortable.


    Thank you, Mr. Jensen. I have to head to my ss now," Shakira said.


    Alright, go ahead ahead." said Patrick.


    Shakira''s ssmates from two years ago were now seniors. Today marked the start of the semester, and the entire year was gathered in the auditorium for the first ss of the year. Shakira arrived at the teaching building just in time for the break between sses. The ssroom was noisy, but as soon as she stepped inside, it fell silent.


    Even without looking at her ssmates, she could feel their eyes on her, staring as if she were a monster. After all, she had endured such scrutiny two years ago.


    Unfazed, Shakira calmly took a seat in the


    "Oh my God, am I seeing things? Shakira ront row. She pulled out a pen and notebook, spinning the pen between her fingers with ease. Suddenly, the ssroom erupted in chatter.


    actually came back to the university?!"


    "She''s been out for two years; what''s she back for?"


    "Didn''t she go abroad to have a baby? How does she still look so good? Her hair is thick, and she seems prettier than before."


    "Ugh, my dad does business with the Smith family, so I know-she went to Bris, just like Mr. Jensen''s son, Henry. But Henry''s a guy; he just gets beat up a few times, and his wealthy family brought him back quickly. For a woman like Shakira, though, going to that ce I mean..." "Wait a minute, isn''t she the


    is like falling into a wolf''s den, if den, if you know what I


    "It''s really her! I thought she genius designer Shakira Nelson, who got her work giarized by Yvette during the Yonder Digital designerpetition livestream? The one who''s talented enough to stand out?


    looked familiar but just realized it!


    "Wow! Why did she change herst name to Nelson?"


    "Where''s Yvette Wasn''t she just in the ssroom?" Someone in the crowd asked, causing Shakira to raise an eyebrow.


    Just then, she heard amotion at the back of the ssroom andzily lifted her gaze toward the door. Yvette entered, arm-in-arm with two other girls, all smiles. As soon as she walked in, she felt the weight of everyone''s stare.


    She instinctively straightened her posture, embodying the poise of a wealthy heiress. However, the next moment, she met Shakira''s meaningful smile and nearly screamed in shock.