Bonnie, forgetting Janice was still present, quickly stepped from the crowd. She approached Janice, instantly drawing attention. Janice looked innocent, captivating the gaze of several nearby male students. Seeing her success, she flashed a sweet smile, relishing their admiration.
Bonnie smiled shyly. "Janice, my dorm is just ahead. I'll take you there to rest, and later, I'll help you find a place to stay."
Just then, Yvette's phone buzzed. It was Simon, requesting her presence in his office.
Bonnie returned to Yvette. "Yvette, I'll take Janice to my dorm first, then find her a place. I'll meet you and Jeremiah later."
Yvette nodded casually, putting away her phone. "Okay."
John, hearing Janice was Bonnie's sister and noticing her bandaged foot, eagerly offered to help her to the girls' dorm. Janice, assuming his interest, secretly sneered at his simple clothes, though maintaining a sweet smile. "This guy's clothes are way too plain," she thought.
"Thank you," she said to John, whose cheeks flushed. He had no idea his well-intentioned gesture nearly landed him in trouble; had he known, he would never have offered.
After they left, Yvette briefly nodded to the onlookers before heading to Simon's office. Inside, she found Simon's desk laden with the usual snacks, but this time, a more extensive selection, including a fresh milkshake.
Simon was on the phone, gesturing for Yvette to sit. She settled onto the sofa, retrieved her phone, and opened a bag of snacks, munching contentedly. Simon, noticing her relaxed demeanor, chuckled and continued his call.
A text arrived from Eagle King: [Boss, any plans lately? I'm bored. Flying Fish is home, trying acting for extra cash. I'm practically turning to stone.]
Yvette bit into some chips, then replied: [I'm heading to Southeast Aploth in the Golden Triangle in a few days. You're welcome to join.]
Within a minute, Eagle King responded: [Boss, I'm interested. Count me in. It's been years since I've been to Voraxia. Wonder if our old friends are still around.]
Yvette's gaze deepened, fingers pausing mid-type, her expression thoughtful. After a moment, she put her phone away.
Simon ended his call and sat beside her. "This day's got my head spinning." Since the Patrick incident, the director's position at Argrol University had been vacant, leaving Simon to handle everything. Patrick's actions had kept Simon overwhelmed until Yvette's return. She was always busy, making contact difficult.
Yvette pushed a freshly brewed coffee toward him. "Mr. Sunderland, some coffee."
Simon gratefully accepted. "So, did everything go smoothly while you were away?"
Yvette raised an eyebrow and nodded lightly. "Yes, all done. She came back with us."
Simon nodded. After some small talk, he steered the conversation toward Patrick. His expression grew grave. "The verdict on Patrick's case is out. It was handed down a few days ago. Amy was acquitted, and Patrick got fifteen years. He'll likely be a broken man."
Yvette leaned back, her voice cool. "Has Amy returned to school?"
Simon sighed. Amy's ordeal was difficult to overcome. "No, she took a leave of absence, but the school will hold her spot indefinitely. She needs to heal, mentally and physically."
He continued, "We can't help directly. I'll ensure someone visits regularly to offer support."
Yvette's eyes darkened as she held her milkshake, her gaze sharp. Slowly, she spoke. "I'll give you seventy million."
Simon's hand trembled, spilling some coffee, not because of the money, but because he didn't understand. 'Is she so wealthy she has money to burn?' he thought, amused. It seemed plausible; her wealth likely exceeded her spending capacity.
Yvette continued calmly, "Use the seventy million to establish a foundation under Argrol University's name, dedicated to helping women like Amy who've been raped. You can handle the details, Mr. Sunderland."
Simon was stunned. He'd considered countless reasons, but a foundation never crossed his mind. He was speechless, watching Yvette sip her milkshake. After a pause, he said solemnly, "Alright. I'll make it happen."
Yvette always acted more than she spoke. Though seemingly indifferent, her heart was compassionate.
Simon lowered his gaze, feeling sadness. The teaching profession's trust had eroded; cases of harassment and rape were alarmingly common. If not for Patrick, Simon wouldn't have believed such a monster worked nearby.
It was too late for Amy, but many other young women were still trapped, too afraid to speak.
Meanwhile, outside the girls' dormitory, John dropped off Bonnie and Janice, practically fleeing. He couldn't be blamed; Janice had clung to him the entire way. Too shy to comment, he was glad to be done and left immediately.
Janice, mistaking his reaction for shyness, felt confident. Alone with Bonnie, she dropped the act and started ordering her around. "Bon, my foot hurts. Could you get me some water?"
Bonnie nodded agreeably. "Alright, Janice, just wait. I'll grab a basin."
When Bonnie returned, she found Janice examining something on the desk. "Janice, what are you doing?"
Janice looked at a skincare bottle with distaste, placing it back down with a grimace. "Bon, is this really what you use? This stuff is so cheap, and not a real brand. Won't it be bad for your skin?"
Bonnie set down the basin, wiping her brow. "Janice, I've always used it, and it works fine. It won't hurt your skin. Don't worry! Go on and wash up."