Chapter 92: She's Done For

The typical presentation lasted about fifteen minutes and, unsurprisingly, received unanimous praise.

Nathael's expression remained unchanged. When his gaze fell on Maggie, it was no different from his reaction to others. He seemed focused solely on her design presentation, devoid of other emotions.

But Nathael knew better. Perhaps only now could he observe her without restraint.

Soon, it was time for the next student. After a few more presentations, it was quickly Vanessa's turn.

Vanessa was consumed by feelings of unwillingness and disappointment. Not only had Maggie not embarrassed herself, she had won the audience's applause.

But how could this be? That person had clearly said the project was a success. With no response to her messages, Vanessa suspected she'd been scammed.

She couldn't help but glance at Maggie. She's so lucky!

Before she could dwell on it, it was her turn.

Maggie's eyes were cold. She looked down on Vanessa's underhanded tactics. Vanessa possessed design talent, but that was all. Her mentor had criticized her designs as overly cluttered and impure, striving for perfection to the point of incoherence. In short, she wanted too much; she was too greedy.

"Hello, Professor, leaders, and fellow designers. My topic is 'Research on the Transformation of Old Rural Buildings under the Background of Leisure Tourism.'"

After a brief introduction, Vanessa opened her computer. To her surprise, it froze after unlocking, remaining unresponsive.

She furrowed her brow, annoyed. The computer had always worked flawlessly; why now?

The click of her mouse was sharp and clear in the quiet classroom. The screen finally flickered.

Before she could breathe a sigh of relief, the screen went blank, displaying only a vivid, lifelike black sketch of a wolf.

Seeing this, the leaders and mentors frowned. Vanessa's brow furrowed in panic. What's going on? How did this happen?

She frantically clicked the mouse, but the computer remained stuck on the image. Maggie watched coldly from the audience. It was clearly Lucas's handiwork. She texted him: "Nice drawing."

Lucas replied, grinning: "Of course. I'm a pro."

Maggie didn't reply, curious to see how Vanessa would handle the situation.

Vanessa forcibly shut down her computer. "Sorry, I need to restart."

After the restart, the computer seemed normal. Vanessa breathed a sigh of relief and opened her thesis. She was stunned.

A murmur rippled through the audience. Many frowned. A series of inappropriate images flashed across the screen.

Maggie was speechless.

"Oh my, what is all this? Is Vanessa out of her mind?"

"Maybe her computer malfunctioned. She wouldn't intentionally display this."

"She probably looks at this stuff herself. Her computer must have a virus."

"Those websites are full of viruses. I never thought someone would actually try it. Vanessa doesn't seem like that type of person. Could there be a mistake?"

"Who knows? I wonder if she checked her computer before the defense."

The discussion gave Maggie a headache. She rubbed her temples and texted Lucas: "Give me a thousand-word report."

Lucas was incredulous: "What? Why? Aren't you entertained?"

Maggie was furious. "You've tainted my eyes!"

"Oops." Lucas hadn't anticipated this. He ran a hand through his hair, considering playing dead.

Then, another text from Maggie: "I can't believe you're browsing those trash websites. You're still a kid. Reflect on yourself."

Lucas was stunned. Since his parents' death, no one had cared for him like this. He didn't feel the same genuine connection with the Camerons as he did with the Finches. The Camerons' kindness felt utilitarian and insincere, impure.

He lazily replied: "I am an adult."

He received no response.

Meanwhile, Vanessa stood on stage, completely stunned. What what is going on? How did this get on my computer?

She looked down at the audience. Several school leaders were frowning and whispering, clearly displeased. Vanessa's cheeks flushed. She frantically clicked the mouse, to no avail.

"Shut it down!" The department leaders, embarrassed, stood and reprimanded her coldly.

Vanessa trembled, as if waking from a nightmare. Her anxiety intensified, her fingers fumbling. In desperation, she unplugged the computer. Silence fell over the classroom.

Vanessa stood on the stage, utterly humiliated. The gazes of the audience felt like sharp arrows piercing her.

Her throat tightened, tears welling in her eyes. She didn't know how to explain this. But she knew, no matter what she said, she was finished.

The department leaders, school leaders, designers, and entrepreneurs were all present. She had embarrassed the school, and badly.

Maggie had a headache. She hadn't expected Lucas to go this far. But then again, his youthful arrogance thrived on chaos.