Chapter 328 A Calm Storm

Other test-takers began casting glances in her direction.

Finished.

With four officials surrounding her, there was no hiding the disruption. The implication was clear—something must be wrong with her.

As expected, one of the inspectors tapped his knuckle against the corner of Yunice’s desk and said in a firm, chilly tone, “Student, we’ve received a report that you may be involved in cheating. Please step out now and cooperate with our investigation.”

Yunice wanted to protest.

She hadn’t cheated.

But glancing from the officials to the rest of the room, she understood that now wasn’t the time to speak. If she disrupted the other examinees, she’d risk disqualification no matter what. She wouldn’t even get the chance to defend herself.

With deliberate calm, she stood up.

Her eyes flicked toward the pages she hadn’t yet answered—two sides left, a reading comprehension and the essay prompt.

As she followed the inspection team out, she silently calculated how much time she’d need to finish.

Her test tools were confiscated as well. All that remained was a half-finished answer sheet lying flat on her desk.

They led her into an administrative room under surveillance. Cameras recorded everything for documentation. Some officials examined her supplies—pens, erasers, and scrap paper—while others turned their attention to her directly.

They checked her ears for hidden earpieces, her mouth and teeth for transmitters, her limbs and waistband for concealed signals. Every accessory was removed.

But Yunice wore no jewelry, no watch, no glasses.

Nothing.

They found nothing.

Through it all, she remained utterly composed.

The inspectors couldn’t help but admire her self-possession. Most examinees caught in this situation broke into cold sweats or babbled nervously. But she hadn’t said a word—hadn’t flinched once.

When the final check was completed, Yunice calmly spoke for the first time.

“Excuse me, may I ask how I was reported for cheating? Did someone witness the alleged act?”

Her tone was polite, cool—but sharp. She was already digging, already analyzing.

She knew she’d been targeted.

One official held out a phone. “Is this you?”

Yunice looked at the screen. A student ID photo. She recognized it immediately—it was taken years ago when she was still in school.

“Yes,” she confirmed. “That’s me.”

“Someone outside claimed to be your mother,” the inspector continued. “Said she gave you cheat notes and paid off an invigilator to watch your back.”

Yunice’s gut twisted. Cold anger surged like a rising tide, crashing against her ribs.

But this—trying to sabotage her college entrance exam—was cruel even for Lily.

She’d earned this opportunity with her own hands. Yet Lily still tried to rip it away from her.

Yunice spoke slowly, her voice steady and grave.

Finished.

“Teachers, I request that this incident be documented and kept on record. I will be filing an appeal after the SAT. I’ve been slandered and falsely accused. This has caused severe and unwarranted interference with my exam.”

She continued.

“I assume you’ve reviewed my profile. I am a registered orphan. I have no mother. How is it possible I was reported by one?”

The officials exchanged looks.

Nothing had turned up. No concealed device. No shady materials.

Except… her pace had been a bit fast.

But she was a special case—an adult test-taker. And not a typical one.

Her file listed her as a self-educated orphan from a rural village. She’d never had formal schooling, which explained her absence from past exams. She was only now testing as a private candidate after being adopted.

All documentation was in order.

No tools found. No irregularities beyond her speed.

This very well could be a malicious report.

The team had no choice but to let her return to the exam—under continued observation for post-exam review.

Back at her desk, Yunice glanced at the clock.

Thirty minutes left.

More than enough.

She’d already built the essay outline in her mind during the inspection. Now all she had to do was write it.

In the surveillance room, officials remained glued to the monitors, watching her every move.

“She’s unshakable,” someone murmured in admiration. “Even after that, her hand didn’t tremble. She jumped right back in like nothing happened.”

“I took a peek at her answers,” another added. “I didn’t see a single error.”

“Her accuracy’s insane. No wonder someone tried to sabotage her. They must’ve realized they’d never beat her fair and square.”

“And she’s smart,” a third said. “Most examinees panic and waste time trying to prove their innocence. But not her. She cooperated immediately, defused suspicion, and then redirected the blame.”

They paused, watching as Yunice scribbled efficiently.

“She even zoned out during the search process. I bet she was brainstorming her essay. Look at her now—she’s already writing.”