Madelyn stared at her empty phone, her heart sinking deeper. Suddenly, she thought Ruth’s attitude odd. Why was Ruth’s reaction so intense? Moreover, she even shielded the culprits, erasing the evidence outright. Could it be that Ruth doesn’t want the truth to surface? With that thought in mind, Madelyn stared at Ruth more intensely.

Even though the video was deleted, Madelyn didn’t seem overly alarmed. It was because the contents of her phone were automatically backed up to the cloud. Thus, even if something were deleted from her phone, it would still be present in the cloud backup. What truly surprised Madelyn was Ruth’s attitude.

Madelyn couldn’t stand for Ruth hastily deleting the video. It’s obvious Ruth’s deliberately trying to drive Jillian away, but why? Anyway, arguing with her further will be pointless. I should leave.

Thus, she put away her phone and returned to the classroom without uttering a single word. Once she entered the classroom, she happened to overhear a group of gossiping girls who seemed to be discussing the guys involved in Jillian’s bullying.

“Did you hear? Among those guys from yesterday, one of them is actually Professor Pierson’s nephew!”

“Really? I heard that Professor Pierson comes from a family of scholars. How could they have a son like this?”

“Psh, who knows? Although, I didn’t expect Jillian, a top student, would actually get expelled just like that.”

“What’s wrong? Can’t bear to part with her? With her being gone, we’ll have opportunities to improve, you know!”

“That’s true.”

Upon hearing those words, Madelyn smiled. No wonder Ruth was in such a hurry to destroy the evidence. It’s truly laughable. Ruth, relying on her position as the head professor of the Department of Finance, used her authority to protect her nephew. I bet she didn’t even consider her selfish decision was enough to destroy not only Jillian’s life but also the sole hope of her family! A woman as selfish as her doesn’t deserve to be a professor!

With that in mind, Madelyn narrowed her eyes, smirking. I won’t let you off the hook so easily now that you’ve pissed me off, Ruth…

At that moment, Janessa had gotten wind of the news and rushed over to Madelyn. “Madelyn, I heard you went to the office to plead on behalf of Jillian. Is that true?”

Madelyn glanced at her, correcting. “It’s not pleading, but proving her innocence. Why should she beg for something she never did?”

Janessa’s expression shifted when she heard that. Why is Madelyn being so protective of Jillian all of a sudden?

Upon hearing that, Madelyn sneered in her mind. That may be true, but the incident sure will benefit you, Janessa.

Seeing that Madelyn wasn’t really paying attention to her, Janessa had no choice but to continue advising Madelyn earnestly. “Madelyn, don’t hold any grudges against me. I’m only speaking the truth. It’s all for your own good. Think about it. The one who did all those things was Ruth’s nephew. If you stand up for Jillian, won’t you be offending Ruth? Crossing her won’t lead you to any good…”

Madelyn sneered in her mind. I’m used to being wild and unruly. I’m not afraid of Ruth if this matter blows up. That said, I want to use legitimate means to stand up for Jillian and seek justice for her. This incident is far too unfair for me to stand by and do nothing. Jillian didn’t do anything wrong, yet she had to bear such a profound humiliation. She absolutely doesn’t deserve to endure any of this!

“Madelyn, please, just listen to me,” Janessa was still persistently pleading.

Madelyn smirked, feeling somewhat annoyed. She turned around and said, “Thanks for your concern.”

In her mind, however, she was criticizing Janessa. Janessa, I bet you’re afraid I’ll reveal your true colors, aren’t you?

Janessa thought that Madelyn was willing to engage with her, and she beamed. “Madelyn, I knew you’d still be willing to heed my advice!”

Following that, she seized the moment to say, “By the way, Madelyn, tomorrow is your birthday, so I’ve reserved a private room at Royal Club for you. How about we celebrate together like old times?”

Janessa said that because, in the past, she used to celebrate Madelyn’s birthday together every year. Yet, when Madelyn thought back on it, she only thought she had squandered so many birthdays. How Janessa schemed against her during that upcoming birthday in her past life was still fresh in her mind.

In Madelyn’s previous life, on the day of her birthday, she invited quite a few classmates over to ensure a lively and bustling celebration. Everyone was having a blast in the private room. Later, seeing Madelyn having a great time, Janessa persuaded her classmates to come over and propose a toast.

Back then, Madelyn was already quite impulsive. When people came to toast her, she saw it as a heartfelt gesture, so she kept accepting and drinking with them, one glass after another.

When she had drunk enough to feel tipsy, Janessa suddenly suggested, “Since we’re having such a good time today, why don’t we play a game together?”

In response, everyone raised their hands high, exclaiming, “Yes!”

Janessa spoke enthusiastically. “Alright, let’s play Spin the Bottle. Whoever the bottle points at when it stops loses, and the loser has to kiss the first person who walks through the door. What do you guys think?”

“All right!” everyone exclaimed enthusiastically. Back then, Madelyn had a bit too much to drink and found the game rather thrilling. Someone had shifted its position so that she ended up losing. However, she was drunk at the time, so she didn’t know for sure what happened. Regardless, back then, Madelyn was suddenly thrust into the eye of the storm.

Everyone seemed to be in on it, cheering, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

Originally, Madelyn was somewhat hesitant. However, the people around her urged, “Madelyn, hurry up. You’re not scared, are you?”

At that time, Madelyn was rebellious in nature. Upon hearing those words, she was immediately provoked. “Bullsh*t! It’s just a kiss! I’ll do it! There’s nothing in this world I’m afraid to do!”

Next, everyone patiently waited for the first person to enter the private room. Janessa had planned everything in advance. Hence, at that time, she sent a message to Christopher, saying she needed to talk to him about something.

Upon receiving the message, Christopher promptly arrived, making him the first person to enter the room. As such, Madelyn had to request a kiss from him.