Gwenda exclaimed in surprise.

"Gwenda, I'm so sorry," Hattie said apologetically, head down. "The lecture ended early. Mr. Petit seems to know you, so he exposed me immediately when I tried to help you sign the attendance sheet."

She hadn't expected Olivier to take attendance suddenly and expose her impersonation.

"What?" Gwenda was shocked. "Then did I come here for nothing?"

Hattie nodded sadly.

Gwenda facepalmed. She hadn't anticipated the lecture ending prematurely. If she'd known, she wouldn't have answered the call. This was a serious problem; her graduation depended on it.

"Is Petit gone?"

As she asked, Olivier walked out. Her eyes lit up, and she ran after him. "Mr. Petit!"

Hearing her, Olivier's eyes twinkled, but he didn't stop. Gwenda called again; he only quickened his pace. Gritting her teeth, she ran to stop him. "Mr. Petit!"

"Is something the matter?" He stopped. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her with amusement in his dark eyes.

Locking eyes with him, Gwenda took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I didn't mean to leave early; I answered a phone call. Could you please mark my attendance?"

"No," Olivier refused without hesitation.

Gwenda was stunned. "Why? I only left for a few minutes."

"You still left early."

Gwenda was speechless with anger. "He's doing this on purpose!" she thought.

Knowing she couldn't show her anger, she retorted quietly, "You ended the lecture early; you can't blame me."

"I'm the keynote speaker. Don't I have the right to decide when to end my class?" Olivier countered.

Gwenda had no reply.

"Anything else? If not, I'm leaving." Olivier walked away.

Watching him go, Gwenda clenched her fists. Unable to contain her fury, she yelled, "Olivier Petit!"

He stopped and looked back. Her eyes blazed with rage, her eyebrows furrowed. She seemed to want to speak but hesitated, then turned and stormed off. Olivier burst out laughing.

"She's so mad! Can't even handle my teasing," he thought cheerfully. He texted lazily before leaving. He couldn't push her too far, lest he drive her away.

In the parking lot, Gwenda stood at the exit, arms crossed, her anger evident. She was about to leave when she received Olivier's message: "If you want the attendance sheet, wait for me in the parking lot."

After hesitating, she yielded. These credits were vital.

Hattie, beside her, observed her sullen face. "Gwenda, does Mr. Petit like you?" she asked curiously.

Startled, Gwenda spat, "What the hell! I don't even know him!"

"Oh, stop pretending! I can tell you know each other. I wondered why he ended the lecture early—an ulterior motive, I see" Hattie laughed.

Gwenda rolled her eyes. "What are you implying? Don't talk nonsense!"

"You still won't admit" Hattie giggled, then spotted Olivier approaching. Quickly, she grabbed Gwenda's car keys. "I'll drive your car back. You can take Mr. Petit's, okay?" She quickly retreated.

"Hey You" Gwenda watched helplessly as her assistant drove away. "This brat's going against me now!" she thought.

Olivier approached. Glancing at him, she held out her hand. "Where's the attendance sheet?"