Chapter 33

With her looks, she could go anywhere. Why did she have to come to Arcane Academy’s finance department? Wendy thought. She said to Shelia, “I think she’s here to compete with you, trying to steal your boyfriend.”

Shelia turned pale, her mind elsewhere. Debra’s arrival meant a risk of her lies being exposed. “Shelia? What’s wrong?” Carrie waved a hand in front of Shelia’s eyes.

Shelia snapped out of it. “I—I’m fine. I suddenly feel unwell, so I won’t go to class this afternoon.”

On her bed, Shelia pondered how Debra managed to get into Arcane Academy. Could it be that Debra didn’t rely on Juan but paid her way in? The thought made Shelia clutch her blanket, a surge of anger coursing through her. Years of hard work secured Shelia’s place at Arcane Academy. But for some, wealth paved the way to dreams she’d toiled for. She couldn’t accept it.

After everyone left the dorm, she called Juan, who answered after a while. Before this, no matter how busy he was, Juan always answered her calls promptly. “Mr. Nichols, did Debra get into graduate school?” Shelia asked, her voice choked. Juan hesitated for a moment before replying, “Yes.”

“How could Debra easily get into graduate school? I’ve seen the exam papers. They’re very difficult,” she grumbled. Juan knew how much Shelia wanted to attend graduate school at Arcane Academy. Each year, there were only a few spots for graduate admission. With just a word from Juan, she could have easily become a graduate student, yet he always insisted she achieve it on her own, never offering help. But Debra had made it effortlessly.

On the other end of the phone, Juan remained silent. He didn’t know how to respond. Debra had never received any financial education before, so if she could enter the top financial institution in the world, there was only one answer: she must have bribed her way in.

“Shelia, calm down and focus on your studies. Even if you don’t pass the graduate entrance exam, I’ll let Arcane Academy recommend you for overseas study. That’s more suitable for you.”

Juan’s words only confirmed Shelia’s suspicion of Debra’s immoral practices.

Chapter 33

Studying abroad would certainly be good, but she didn’t want to give up being a graduate student there. After all, Arcane Academy was internationally renowned, and being a graduate student there was even more prestigious than studying abroad. For a better future, she couldn’t lose Juan, the support she needed.

With that thought in mind, Shelia whispered, “Mr. Nichols, are you still blaming me?”

“Shella…”

“I know it was my wishful thinking. You’ve been very good to me, and I’m grateful. I want to thank you and apologize. It won’t happen again.”

“Good!” Juan softened his tone. “If your foot hurts again, remember to call me. I’ll have Joe take you to the hospital.”

“Okay.”

After a brief exchange, Shelia hung up the phone. A hint of bitterness flashed in her eyes. In the past, whenever she wasn’t feeling well, Juan would come over in person.