The morning sun poured over Aurelius Business Academy, reflecting off polished floors and glass windows. Valeria adjusted her second-hand tote, her fingers brushing against the corner of her worn notebook. Today wasn't just another evaluation it was the day Adrian De Vere Leone would personally witness their project presentations.
The moment Valeria entered, whispers spread like wildfire. But one voice cut through everything a sharp, mocking laugh.
"Oh… look who's here," Chantel said, rising dramatically from her designer chair. She let her eyes sweep the classroom, exaggerating every glance. "The poor scholarship girl, gracing us with her presence. How… generous of you to show up."
Heads turned. Some students giggled nervously, some gasped, others whispered behind cupped hands. Valeria felt her stomach tighten but held her head high.
Chantel began circling Valeria, clicking her heels like a predator. "You know, I almost agreed to pair with you for this project," she said, voice theatrical, ensuring everyone could hear. "I almost thought maybe, just maybe you could keep up with me. But then I remembered… with your broken home, that old laptop, and your café experience… no. I cannot waste my time."
She leaned in, letting the words sink in. "I will not do this with you. You're on your own. Let's see how you survive alone."
A shocked murmur ran through the room. A few students exchanged glances, pitying Valeria, while others stifled snickers.
Valeria's fingers tightened around her notebook. Her voice was quiet but firm. "I see. Then I'll do it alone."
Chantel smirked cruelly, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Alone? Good luck, café girl. You'll embarrass yourself." With that, she strode to the back of the room, letting everyone know she had officially abandoned her partner.
Professor Langford cleared his throat. "Everyone, please settle. Our special guest will be evaluating your projects today. Adrian De Vere Leone, CEO of De Vere Lux Holdings, will be joining us personally."
Two black sedans gleamed outside the glass doors. Security personnel walked first, forming a protective line.
Then he appeared.
Adrian De Vere Leone. Tall, statuesque, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit. His presence filled the room even before he spoke. Cold, gray eyes scanned every student like a predator. Beside him, Mr. Leonard, his male secretary, walked silently, carrying a leather folder and taking meticulous notes. His expression was unreadable, exuding sharp, professional intimidation.
Every whisper, every gasp in the classroom seemed to fade. Students instinctively straightened, feeling the weight of their combined aura. Fear. Respect. Authority.
Valeria's heart skipped, but she lifted her chin. Face them. Show them all.
Langford gestured. "Valeria, if you're ready, you may begin."
Chantel, perched at the back, whispered to her friends, "This is going to be a disaster…"
Valeria stepped forward. Every eye in the room followed her. She clicked the remote; her slides lit up the screen charts, statistics, projections all hers.
"Good morning, Mr. Leone," she began, voice calm, confident, precise. "Our presentation focuses on strategic growth for emerging beauty brands. While competitors rely on luxury marketing and celebrity endorsements, our model emphasizes sustainable production, cost efficiency, and brand loyalty through authenticity."
Chantel scoffed audibly. "Cute. Numbers don't mean anything if you don't have connections."
Valeria's gaze didn't waver. "Connections can open doors. Strategy keeps them open."
Adrian's gray eyes flicked toward her, measuring. Leonard stood beside him, silent, sharp, noting every movement. The classroom felt like it had frozen.
Valeria moved through her slides with precision. Every analysis, every projection, every marketing plan it was all hers. She concluded: "In conclusion, while wealth can launch a brand, the market respects skill, foresight, and execution. These are the foundations that sustain growth."
The room was silent. Chantel's lips parted, but no words came. Adrian's gaze stayed locked on Valeria, cold but intense.
"Impressive," Adrian finally said, voice low, deliberate, commanding.
Leonard's eyes widened. He glanced at Adrian. "Sir… you… you never—"
Adrian's gaze didn't leave Valeria. "Execution matches potential. Remember this."
The air in the room was heavy with tension. Chantel's face drained of color, her arrogance faltering. "Impossible… how is she…"
Valeria inclined her head slightly, composed. "I've worked for it. Every spare hour."
A murmur ran through the classroom. Adrian's lips quirked slightly, an almost imperceptible sign of intrigue. Leonard, meanwhile, still processing Adrian's rare praise, scribbled quick notes.
Langford cleared his throat. "That concludes today's evaluations. Mr. Leone, any further comments?"
Adrian gave a single, icy nod and turned toward the door. Leonard followed silently, still stunned by the unusual compliment.
Outside, whispers spread like wildfire. Valeria clenched her notebook, whispering under her breath: "Let them try to stop me."