Chapter 375

"This Audrey... she's interesting," Hannah murmured under her breath.

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"The freshman group chat won't stop talking about her." Hannah pulled out her phone. "Six SCI papers. Admitted as a special exception—the prodigy."

Shane suddenly leaned in. "Well, if it isn't the illustrious Professor Roland!" He gave an exaggerated bow, his tone dripping with mockery.

Hannah rolled her eyes. "This guy never shuts up in the group chat. Always making snide remarks."

Professor Merouin cleared her throat. "What are you all standing around for? Greet your professor properly."

Audrey crossed her arms, not even bothering to look up.

Sophia offered a gentle curtsy. "Good afternoon, Professor."

Isabella shrank into the back, twisting the hem of her shirt between her fingers. The memory of those expensive tonics she'd sent made her cheeks burn.

Zachary suddenly lunged forward, seizing Professor Roland's hand. "Professor! I'm Zachary Omelas!" His words tumbled out in an excited rush. "I've read every single one of your papers!"

The nearly six-foot-tall boy wore a faded T-shirt and sandals with frayed edges. His sun-darkened face flushed crimson, like a child meeting their idol.

Shane yanked him back. "Country bumpkin! You're embarrassing yourself!"

But Zachary just kept grinning, oblivious to the insult.

Professor Merouin's face turned ashen. She forced a smile. "Professor Roland, won't you introduce your students?"

"Unnecessary," Eleanor replied coldly.

Shane immediately jumped in. "Or is it because you have no students worth introducing?"

Hannah trembled with anger. "You—"

"Who let you out looking like that?" Shane raked his eyes over her with malicious glee. "Fat pig."

Evelyn stepped in front of Hannah, shielding her. "Professor Merouin, your students are truly... remarkable." Her laugh was icy. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."