So when he saw the growing hostility against her, the whispers, the mocking glances, and the rumors spreading like rot through the university forums, he believed that perhaps Lana had truly used some disgraceful method to obtain the position he himself had once desired.
Instead of stepping aside, he deliberately blocked her path.
He stood in front of Lana, his posture rigid, his voice deceptively calm.
"If you wish to leave," he said, "then you must first prove that you are not a stain on Shadowridge University. This institution has never allowed itself to be disgraced by a student."
Lana raised her eyes to look at him, her expression unreadable.
"If you want to prove Shadowridge University's innocence," she replied evenly, "why don't you go and do that?"
Tonyo smirked coldly.
"I have my own capabilities. No one has ever doubted me. Why should I prove myself? Besides, I am not the one who is being questioned!"
Lana let out a soft chuckle.
"Exactly," she said.
