Chapter 55

In the video, Marilee played the ideal victim, who had lost everything and was now bravely trying to get her life back.

As the interview wrapped up, the reporter delivered the question everyone had been waiting for."Do you hate her?"

Marilee looked straight into the camera, paused for a long time, then wiped her tears and quietly said, rather not answer."

And just like that, the internet lit up like wildfire.

"Marilee is way too soft. If someone stole my life for twenty years, I'd be out for revenge!"

"That other woman is disgusting. If Marilee hadn't stood up, that fake would still be enjoying the rich life that wasn't hers!"

"Does anyone know where Alexia's really from? I heard she was raised in the slums-no surprise there.Places like that only turn out garbage. She's just a rat that clawed her way out of the gutter."

"She's a teacher at Afoross now? You've got to be kidding. A school like that hiring her? We should start a protest!"

Marilee's fan club didn't waste time. They launched a campaign with the hashtag #ProtectTheRealPrincess,filling social media with hate aimed at Alexia.

Things only got worse. Gossip pages, bloggers, and online news kept spreading the story in different ways.But the main idea stayed-everyone felt sorry for Marilee and wondered why Alexia was even in the picture.

Ada sounded worried on the phone. "Alexia, my brother's trying to shut this story down right now. Marilee set this up for sure-she probably has fake accounts making it go viral."

Alexia stayed calm. "If we shut it down now, she'll just say rich people are trying to hide the truth. This going viral means she has more planned. I'll wait and gather proof. Let her make the next move."

Ada exhaled sharply. "I'm seriously worried. Her fans are ruthless. Have you seen the stuff they're saying?Some of those comments have gone viral. I couldn't even finish reading them."

Alexia spoke without hesitation. "Calm down. Bad press still puts me on the radar. If she wants to give me free publicity, I'd be a fool not to take it. You should focus on your job and try looking at things that won't make your blood boil."

Ada let out a frustrated sigh, but deep down, she was a little amazed at how unbothered Alexia seemed.

Sliding her phone back into her coat pocket, Alexia turned and walked toward the classrooms, only to bump into Brandon, who was sweaty and carrying a basketball.

"Seriously? You're actually showing up here?" Brandon gave her a once-over, smirking. "If I were you, l'd be hiding under my bed."

Brandon was the type who loved watching drama from the sidelines. With the scandals blowing up online,seeing Alexia get roasted was pure entertainment to him. He couldn't stop liking every hateful comment.

Alexia didn't even blink. "And what's any of this got to do with you? You barely got into this university on an athletic scholarship, almost failed out because of your grades, and let's not even talk about the gambling debt that nearly got you expelled. And you think I should be embarrassed? If it weren't for your grandfather crawling to the board and begging them to give you another chance, you'd have been long gone."

Brandon's face turned red, and he retorted, "You act all high and mighty, but don't forget that you were the fake the Jenkins family kicked out. Even my brother didn't want you. If I wasn't feeling nice, I'd have called campus security to drag you off already."

Alexia stepped forward, looking down at him with calm authority. "Be my guest. Let's see who security sides with-a student on probation or a faculty member?"

Brandon stared at her, then snorted. "You? A faculty member? What do you do-serve food in the cafeteria?Hand out trays?"

Before she could reply, a calm male voice came from behind. "Ms. Jenkins, there you are."

Brandon's shoulders tensed. He turned and went completely still.

A tall guy in a black hoodie walked toward them, backlit by the sun. His presence practically demanded attention.

"Nolan Hayes?" Brandon was shocked. The campus genius-brilliant, reclusive, and nearly mythical.Most students only heard his name, not saw him. And now here he was, heading their way.

And he was actually talking to Alexia with respect.

Wait, was she really a teacher here? No way! That couldn't be right.

Brandon just stood there, stunned, as Nolan walked right past him and stood next to Alexia.

Even Alexia looked a bit caughtoff guard."Oh, it's you? Didn't expect to run into you here."

Nolan gave a subtle smile. "Not quite a coincidence. I came to find you."