Chapter 46

Both the dean and Principal Augustine were present. Mr. Augustine appeared humble and friendly, while Mr. Herbs wore a dark expression. I recalled the university's selection of outstanding students; it had come down to two candidates—myself and Mr. Herbs' daughter. I was chosen, and afterward, Mr. Herbs seemed to harbor a grudge.

After exchanging greetings, Mr. Augustine smiled and gestured for me to sit. "Have a seat."

I nodded and sat. Mr. Augustine maintained his smile. "Serena, you've probably seen what's happening. We called you to hear your side of things."

He seemed reasonable, so I said, "I'm sorry for the trouble. Regarding Julian's incident, it didn't happen as the posts claim."

Mr. Augustine nodded. "Then please tell us the real story."

I recounted the events, and Mr. Augustine frowned. "Julian always seemed such a reasonable young man. How could he do this?"

I spread my hands. "I don't know. I was shocked."

Mr. Augustine continued, "Do you have any idea who edited and posted the video?"

I slowly shook my head. "No. It happened and was posted within two hours. I don't know who could act so quickly. I had suspicions... but Elena seemed to care about Julian. How could she do this?"

"Do you have any plans to resolve this?" Mr. Augustine asked thoughtfully.

I said, "I was planning to check if the restaurant had surveillance footage. If I can't clear my name myself, I'll report it to the police."

"You can't contact the police," Mr. Herbs interrupted.

I frowned and looked at him.

Mr. Herbs stepped forward self-righteously. "Are you planning on embarrassing us further? The news has already spread. If you report this, the entire Grand University will find out. Do you realize the negative press?"

His voice rose. "Will you tarnish the university's reputation for your personal interests? How will we recruit new students?"

I met his gaze. "Mr. Herbs, what do you suggest? Should I just endure online harassment?"

Mr. Herbs dismissed me dismissively. "Figure it out yourself. If you can't clear your name, then I'm afraid there's nothing we can do for you."

"Mr. Herbs!" A frantic voice called from outside. Lila burst in and stood before me. "You can't treat Serena like this! She's about to graduate. Are you trying to ruin her future?"

Lila was close to tears, but Mr. Herbs remained unmoved. "What else can I do? I'm the dean, and I must consider the university's reputation. I won't let our reputation be tarnished for one person."

I glanced at Mr. Augustine. Since Mr. Herbs began berating me, he seemed to shrink into the background, seemingly unwilling to intervene.

Lila questioned coldly, "The university's reputation? This isn't the only scandal. Haven't all previous scandals been forgotten over time? Has the university had trouble recruiting students because of them?"