Chapter 204

“Maybe he likes you too!”
“You think so?”
“Rebecca, you’re pretty and you have a great personality. If I were a guy, I’d definitely fall for you!”
“Just promise you won’t tell him!”
Watching the two students, Penelope was reminded of her four years at university with Rebecca.
She had come to school alone after a huge fight with her family. In that unfamiliar environment, the first person she saw in the dorm was Rebecca.
Rebecca had greeted her with a warm smile, and they bonded instantly over their shared regional accent. From then on, they did everything together-attending classes, eating meals, working part-time jobs. Because Penelope was estranged from her family, she didn’t go home for holidays, so Rebecca would always return to campus early to keep her company, bringing bags full of snacks and treats from her hometown.
Rebecca was timid and often bullied by other students, and Penelope always stood up for her, protecting her.
For four years, they were inseparable.
Even after graduation, Penelope continued to look out for her, renting her an apartment, getting her a job at the Stone Group, and buying her gifts with every project bonus she received.
When did Rebecca start to betray their friendship?
Why?
She couldn’t understand it. She had never been able to understand.
…
The newly built exhibition hall was showcasing the best works from past students of the School of Architecture and Design. One of Penelope’s pieces was on display.
When she arrived, she saw a crowd of younger students gathered around her work.
It was a hand-drawn piece that had won her a prestigious international award.
“Wow, this alum is incredible. Does she have a ruler for a hand? It’s so intricate yet perfectly ordered. It’s like a work of art!”
“I heard this was an interior design plan for a museum overseas, and they actually ended up using it!”
“I’d love to meet her. I wonder if she’ll be here today.”
The students were buzzing with excitement. Penelope had no intention of
revealing herself, but just then, Susan walked up to the display.
“The ‘alum’ you’re all talking about probably won’t be showing her face,”
sanced, glancing
pointedly at Penelope, who stood at the back of the crowd content
A student asked, confused, “Why not?”
“Because Susan’s lips curved into a sneer. “Because she can’t stand the light of day.”
“What does that mean?”
Susan turned her attention back to
the students. “Talent is one thing,
but character is what truly matters
The artist’s name is Penelope. Her
The artist’s
academic skills were never
great, her award was just a fluke. And her character… well, it’s déplorable.”
“You know her?” a female student asked.
“We were classmates.”
“Then tell us, what’s wrong with her character?”
Susan scoffed. “Her? She seduces married men. She’s a shameless homewrecker.”
The students erupted in an uproar.
“Why is someone like that even on display? It’s an insult to our eyes!”
“Take her work down! Who wants to see something made by a mistress?”
“Exactly! I can’t stand people like her!”
The commotion drew the attention of a school official, who hurried over to see what was happening. After learning the situation, he looked troubled.
“Our university has always
emphasized that good character precedes good scholarship. Displaying the work of a mistress
openly contradicts our schools
values, don’t you think?” Susan said coldly.

Seeing the students’ fierce reactions, the official sighed and shook his head.
“Then take it down.”