Andrew wore a proud expression, his words sending the Argrol University students into an uproar. Everyone knew the Lewis family, mentioned by Sharon, was among Seacrity's four most prominent families—a household name, their enterprises spanning the country, with rumored plans for overseas expansion. Andrew's seemingly out-of-nowhere belittling of such a powerful family struck some as dangerous, others wondering if he’d sealed his fate. A sense of pity mingled with the apprehension; they found him handsome, yet foolish.

Andrew, noticing the sympathetic glances, was utterly confused. He believed he’d done nothing wrong; to him, the Lewis and Sullivan families were insignificant, barely third-rate in Betrico, inconsequential in his estimation. In Jeremiah's eyes, they were as weak as ants. Andrew's sister, Samantha, ran a small business yet possessed assets far exceeding the Lewis family's. The Argrol students, however, remained unaware of Andrew's perspective, viewing the Lewis family as unattainable.

Yvette, previously silent, slowly raised her head, her eyes darkening. Glancing at Sharon, she said, "Apologize, or the Sullivan family will be bankrupt and gone from Seacrity within the hour."

Sharon scoffed. "Yvette, stop boasting. You think you can bankrupt the Sullivan family? I'll be watching."

Jeremiah, until then silent, spoke, his voice cold and deep. He retrieved his phone: "Ensure the Sullivan family is bankrupt within half an hour."

Sharon looked up at him in disbelief, panic rising. Jeremiah seemed extraordinary, but she doubted his claim. Then, someone in the crowd said, "I know him; he's a librarian here."

Silence fell. A librarian making such bold claims was perplexing. Some jealous boys mocked him: "A librarian talking big? He'll bankrupt the Sullivan family? He's boasting!" The girls, however, remained unfazed, appreciating his defense of Yvette, even if he was a librarian. "You're just jealous! He's defending her! Can you do that?"

The auditorium erupted in chaos. This is what Simon saw upon arrival; the crowd divided into two groups. Sharon, with Winona, Victor, and Patrick, faced Yvette, two unfamiliar yet clearly influential men, and a boy and girl Simon didn't recognize. To his surprise, Tobias was there, unusually involved.

"Mr. Sunderland!" someone announced. The auditorium fell silent. Simon, rarely on campus except for major events, was greeted with astonishment. He acknowledged them with nods.

Patrick stepped forward. "Mr. Sunderland, what brings you here? Your meeting this morning?"

Simon, with cultured elegance, responded indifferently. "The meeting finished early. I heard of the speech contest." His gaze drifted towards Tobias, who avoided his eyes. Disappointed, Simon understood Tobias's unresolved concerns.

His eyes then fell upon Yvette and Jeremiah, their striking presence undeniable. Yvette possessed a cold elegance and rebellious spirit; Jeremiah was sharp and reserved, exuding nobility and a palpable sense of danger.

Patrick tried to speak, but Tobias interrupted. "Ms. Zeller from our department won, but Ms. Sullivan refuses to apologize."

Patrick, angered by the interruption, reprimanded Tobias. "Mr. Sunderland, I'm here! Why are you interfering?"

Simon gave Patrick a displeased look, unnoticed in his anger. "Is that true?" Simon asked.

Patrick, unable to lie, nodded. "Yes, but Ms. Zeller threatened to bankrupt the Sullivan family. That man is a librarian—he doesn't belong here; he'll corrupt the students."

Simon turned to Yvette. "Ms. Zeller, your explanation?"

Yvette remained nonchalant. "I spoke the truth, not a threat."

Sharon, noticing Simon, realized the situation was dire. She'd dared defy Patrick, but not Simon. Yvette's words affirmed her threat's seriousness. Simon likely understood the situation. He glanced at Sharon, noticing Winona and Victor instinctively step back—Victor wary after a recent scolding from Simon and his grandfather. Sharon lowered her head.

"Ms. Sullivan, accept the consequences. Apologize," Simon stated.

Sharon's phone rang. Panic filled the onlookers as they remembered Jeremiah's words. It had been exactly half an hour. Sharon picked up the phone.