Chapter 4

In that moment, I can't believe what I'm hearing.

To protect his pitiful pride, he's actually endorsing this despicable accusation and even pretending to care while labeling me as "kept."

With the student council president's "personal confirmation," the surrounding gazes completely change.

Disgust, contempt, revulsion—as if looking at repulsive trash.

"Quick, take photos and post them to the forum as a warning. This kind of person is a disgrace to our school!"

Someone shouts, and several phones are shoved in my face, camera flashes blinding me.

Some even start livestreaming, broadcasting to their viewers.

"Everyone, look! This is the 'luxury car girl' who became some old man's mistress for money. Her ex-boyfriend just exposed her and she even tried to hit people!"

"People like this should be expelled! Absolutely disgusting!"

Sitting on the ground, hearing words like "fallen," "gold digger," and "escort" pelting me like stones, I feel utterly absurd.

Some people even rush forward trying to grab at me.

"What are you all doing?! This looks like a riot!"

A commanding shout cuts through the crowd.

The watching students freeze as if someone hit pause, automatically parting to make way.

The Dean of Students, face dark and hands behind his back, strides in.

Seeing me disheveled on the ground and that eye-catching pink sports car, his brow furrows into a tight knot.

"What's going on? Who brought this kind of social pollution onto campus?"

Before I can speak, Lydia, like a frightened little rabbit with red-rimmed eyes, rushes to report first.

"Dean, thank goodness you're here. She... she's brought such disgrace to our school."

While speaking, she subtly points out my sports car to the dean.

"Vivian, in her greed for pleasure, was not only kept by some old man off-campus—she brazenly drove this filthy car onto campus to show off."

"When Damien kindly advised her to reform, she not only refused to listen but tried to attack people."

This bucket of dirty water is poured flawlessly.

It both confirms my "kept woman" status and clears herself and Damien completely.

The dean's face instantly turns black as a pot, his disgusted gaze cutting into me like knives.

"Kept? Absolutely scandalous!"

Ignoring the pain in my palms, I struggle up from the ground.

"I wasn't! This car was bought by my father, the money came from my family—there's no old man at all!"

"Lydia, you open your mouth and destroy someone's reputation—where's your proof?"

I stare at her, trying to break free from this absurd accusation.

But the surrounding crowd erupts in mocking laughter.

"From your family? Vivian, at least make your lies believable."

"Exactly. Everyone knows you'll argue with the cafeteria lady for half an hour over five dollars."

"If you were really a rich kid, would you wear thrift store hand-me-downs? Would you beg the class president for a few hundred dollars in financial aid?"

The voices of doubt grow louder and louder.

In their eyes, poverty is the brand I've worn for three years.

The dean, hearing this, dismisses his last shred of doubt.

He points at my nose, his finger trembling with anger.

"Well, well! A century-old prestigious school has produced such a shameless student!"

"Selling your body for vanity, showing no remorse, and openly promoting materialism at the school gate!"

"Keeping this bad apple would be an insult to other students!"

I'm freezing cold all over, desperately trying to explain. "I really didn't—you can check my bank accounts..."

"Enough! No need to check!"

The dean waves his hand, impatiently cutting me off.

"Everyone says so—could they all be wrong about you?"

"Notify your parents. Get this eyesore of a car out of here immediately and pack your things!"

"For the school's reputation—Vivian, you're expelled!"