Chapter 473

Evelyn studied the restless crowd of students with sharp eyes.

"Someone is intentionally circulating lies to tarnish my name," she declared firmly.

A scoff came from the group. "Don't bother explaining. We've seen this pattern before - always with some powerful man backing you up."

"These honorary credits are crucial for our graduation," another student snapped. "Since you clearly have other avenues, why compete with those of us who actually need them?"

Just then, Danielle pushed through the gathering. "What's happening here? These accusations are completely unfounded! Someone's clearly jealous of Evelyn's accomplishments."

"Accomplishments?" A male student sneered. "We all know what kind of 'talents' she possesses. The kind that involves batting her eyelashes at wealthy men."

The murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd like wildfire.

Evelyn felt warmth spread through her chest at Danielle's unexpected defense. Turning to address the hostile faces, she suggested coolly, "Shall we involve campus security? A proper investigation might reveal who's behind these rumors."

Danielle's face paled at the mention of authorities. "Actually," she interjected quickly, "wouldn't it be better to take this directly to Dean Winslow?"

"Yes! Let Dean Winslow handle this!" several voices chimed in.

Evelyn had no reservations about facing Theodore Winslow - she had nothing to hide.

Danielle, however, couldn't suppress the nervous flutter in her stomach. The dean had resources to trace anonymous complaints, though she reassured herself that her burner email account would protect her identity.

The group marched toward the administration building, their footsteps echoing through the marble corridors.

When Theodore heard about the online allegations, his teacup nearly slipped from his grasp.

"Preposterous!" he exclaimed, adjusting his glasses. "Evelyn, rest assured we'll get to the bottom of this nonsense."

Evelyn simply nodded. "I appreciate that, Dean."

Danielle watched the exchange with barely concealed envy. "See, Evelyn? I told you the administration would support you."

This provoked immediate backlash from the other students.

"Dean Winslow, isn't this favoritism?" a bold girl challenged. "Just because she's connected to Nathaniel Whitmore?"

"Total injustice!" another cried.

Theodore rubbed his temples as the accusations flew. "Then what would you consider a fair resolution?"

"Revoke her scholarship!"

"Delay her graduation! If any of us took such a long leave of absence, we'd never catch up. Why does she get special treatment?"

Evelyn's voice cut through the chaos. "I'll voluntarily surrender the scholarship. But my credits meet all graduation requirements - that's simple academic policy."

"Policy for who?" someone jeered. "Regular students or sugar babies dating billionaires?"

Danielle bit her lip to hide her satisfaction. Finally, Evelyn was getting her comeuppance.

Evelyn's eyes flashed. "Who claims I've had inappropriate relationships?"

"The whole campus knows about you and Nathaniel Whitmore!" a voice shot back.

"Don't insult our intelligence by calling it friendship," another student sneered. "A college girl and a married CEO? Please. We all know the arrangement."

The air grew thick with tension as Evelyn squared her shoulders, ready to dismantle their accusations one by one.