I was taken aback by Alex’s words. Then, with an awkward laugh, I said, “So, you already know.”

Alex said in a deep voice, “Yes. I thought you were planning on stubbornly taking the fall and redoing your life just like that. It seems you’re not a complete fool.” I decided to take that as a compliment.

I asked, “So, will you help me? I can’t prove my innocence, and the university wants to talk to my family.” Deep down, I despised myself. Wasn’t asking Alex to act as my guardian essentially exploiting his reputation and wealth? But desperate times…

Alex paused before saying, “I can help you, but on one condition.”

Again with the conditions. Yet, when Alex said it, I felt no disgust. Instead, I instinctively tried to guess his condition.

“If you’re asking me to move back to the Hastings residence in exchange for your help, I’d rather find another way,” I said firmly.

“Do you have any other options?” Alex asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I couldn’t think of any immediately, but I was sure I’d come up with something eventually, right?

“Did I say I wanted you to move back to the Hastings residence?” Alex said.

I was speechless. I thought I’d guessed his request, but it was all just my assumptions. I imagined Alex narrowing his eyes, scrutinizing me, and my face flushed crimson. It was so embarrassing.

“If you come to work at Hastings Group, I’ll help you solve this matter,” Alex said.

I thought for a moment and said, “Deal!”

“Prepare your resume and send it to me before the holidays,” he replied.

I nodded. “Okay. So, when will you come by?”

“Tomorrow,” Alex replied.

My phone rang as soon as I returned to the dormitory. It was an unknown number, but I knew it was Julian. After hesitating, I answered.

“Serena, it’s me.” Sure enough.

“If you have something to say, just say it.” My patience with Julian was completely exhausted. I didn’t want to waste another word.

“I’ve heard about the university’s plans to expel you. I can see the principal tomorrow, as long as you’re willing to reconcile with me. The principal is a friend of my father’s, and Justin has been trying to curry favor with him too,” Julian said with a sense of superiority.

I snorted. “Are you trying to take advantage of the situation again? Julian, you truly are despicable.”

Julian retorted without a shred of guilt, “How could you say that? If I don’t help you, who will? Do you think Alex will? He’s so busy. There’s no way he’d bother with something so…”

Julian’s tone was incredibly smug and treacherous. He seemed to think he had already won. This was precisely what I hated most about him.

“There’s no need. I won’t reconcile with you, even if I’m expelled,” I said incredibly calmly.

Julian’s voice immediately rose. “What did you say? Serena, you’d better remember what you said today. You’ll pay for what you said eventually.”