Chapter 313

The competition was set in a spacious lecture hall equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia screens. When Anastasia arrived with Maggie and the others, they found the place already buzzing with people.
Thanks to the online forum’s hype, nearly everyone wanted to witness the showdown firsthand.
Maggie and Juliet immediately tensed up, crowding around Anastasia with encouragement. “You’ve got this, Anastasia! Don’t be nervous-we believe in
you!”
“Yeah, we all do!” chimed in another.
Several classmates echoed their words, rallying behind her. Determined not to let Shirley’s group outshine them, Maggie had mobilized not only their class but even roped in students from the whole department. The turnout for Anastasia’s cheering section was impressive.
Truth be told, most of their classmates didn’t really know how talented Anastasia was. But seeing her so calm and collected, they put their faith in her without hesitation.
After all, Anastasia had scored in the top percentile on her college entrance exams; how could she possibly lose to Penelope?
Meanwhile, students from other classes watched Anastasia’s supporters-heads held high, brimming with confidence—and couldn’t help but roll their eyes.
“Do they actually think she can win? Where does that confidence even come from?”
“I mean, I don’t want to see her lose, but let’s be real-she doesn’t stand a chance. The more cocky they are now, the harder they’ll fall.”
Shirley’s entourage swept in, snickering. “Bringing a whole parade like they’re sure to win-aren’t they afraid of embarrassing themselves later?”
One of Shirley’s friends called out loudly, “Anastasia, do yourself a favor and just give up now. Don’t waste everyone’s time!”
“Yeah, what’s the point? You’re going to lose anyway. Why not just kneel down and bark for us right now?”
Anastasia lifted her gaze, her eyes cold and sharp. With just one look, the heckler fell silent, cowed by her presence.
“I can see you’re all eager to see someone kneel and bark,” she replied coolly. “I’ll try not to keep you waiting-but Shirley and Penelope should probably get ready themselves.”
Her meaning was clear: she was certain it would be Penelope and Shirley paying the forfeit. Shirley’s face darkened, her lips curling into a chilly smile. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Let’s see if you’re still so cocky in a minute.”
With that, she motioned for the event to begin.
Penelope glanced toward the door, the corners of her mouth quirking up. “Looks like our judge is here.”
Everyone instinctively turned to look. When they saw who it was, a collective gasp swept the room.
“Dean Jerome?!”
Standing in the doorway was a stern-looking middle-aged woman, none other than Dr. Jerome, the dean of the medical school.
“Oh my god, I thought this was just a bit of fun. They actually brought in Dean Jerome as the judge?!” Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on.net
Even Anastasia’s expression flickered for a moment.
She recognized Dr. Jerome years ago, she’d been friends with Anastasia’s mother and held her in the highest esteem. Out of that admiration, Dr. Jerome had always been harsh on Anastasia. In her previous life, Dr. Jerome had publicly lashed out at her, saying she wasn’t worthy to be her mother’s daughter, that she’d disgraced the family name.
So far in this life, that bitter confrontation hadn’t happened yet, but from the way Dr. Jerome looked at her now, Anastasia knew nothing had really changed.
Back then, she’d been coddled and spoiled by Nora, and she’d failed to live up to her mother’s reputation—so maybe she had deserved the criticism.
Now, standing here reborn, facing Dr. Jerome again, Anastasia felt a tangle of emotions—and suddenly understood exactly why Penelope had made sure Dr. Jerome was the judge.
It was all deliberate.
Penelope wanted Dr. Jerome to see Anastasia at her worst, to deepen her dislike, maybe even provoke her into a public scolding that would humiliate Anastasia in front of everyone.