Chapter 11

Douglas had known Bernard for eight years. He noticed that Bernard hardly looked at women unless it was directly related to his work. In fact, Douglas and three other assistants had privately joked about whether Bernard might prefer men over women. Fortunately, Bernard had finally shown interest in a woman! This was a relief for Douglas and the other assistants as they would no longer have to worry about their safety. They had been constantly on edge, fearing that Bernard might try to take advantage of them. … In the hallway outside the Dean of Students' office, Andrew's driver, Nigel Rathburn, said, "Ms. Youngworth, I'm sorry, but Dean Ludden has a last-minute meeting with an important guest and can't meet you. "The Dean of Students will help you with your transfer." Hera nodded and calmly replied, "Thank you." Her face showed a distant demeanor that made her seem unapproachable. Nigel found himself pondering Hera's connection with Andrew. It was curious that Andrew had consistently emphasized the need to treat her with exceptional care. The two reached the Dean of Students' office. … Robert Larkin, a man with thick square glasses and a balding head, sat at his desk. In front of him stood Melanie Miller, a teacher of mixed Jadonia and Terrania heritage. "Ms. Miller, this transfer student will join your class," Robert said, handing her a document. Melanie was the homeroom teacher for the junior-year students in Class A. Cavenridge's high school division had 11 classes for each grade level. After each semester, students were reassigned to classes based on their cumulative exam scores. Class A was reserved for the top 50 students. Melanie accepted the document. Her expression soured as she glanced over the student's educational history. Cavenridge International Academy was known for its commitment to teaching excellence. Admission was granted after passing an entrance exam and receiving an acceptance letter. Why was this student from a rural area being placed in Class A immediately? She hadn't even taken the entrance exam! Just then, a knock echoed through the office. Nigel entered, accompanied by Hera, who was donned in a fitted white dress. "Mr. Larkin, this is the transfer student assigned by Dean Ludden. She's under your care now," Nigel said. "Hera Youngworth, welcome. Take a seat," Robert greeted warmly. He rose from his chair with a welcoming smile as he gestured for Hera to sit on the couch. The previous evening, Andrew had called Robert personally and emphasized to ensure everything was arranged properly for Hera. The fact that Andrew held Hera in such high regard suggested a significant connection between them. Robert couldn't let this chance slip by. Impressing Andrew was key to his hopes for a promotion and a raise. "It's fine," Hera replied with a hint of disinterest. "What do I need to do next?" "I'll take care of your enrollment process shortly. But before we get into that, let me introduce you to someone. This is Melanie Miller, the homeroom teacher for the junior-year students in Class A." Then, turning to Melanie, Robert continued, "Ms. Miller, meet Hera Youngworth. She's under your wing now. Could you please show her to the classroom?" Melanie studied Hera closely. Hera possessed delicate features, a slender figure, and was elegantly dressed in a long dress. Yet, she gave off a cold, distant vibe that didn't sit well with Melanie. Moreover, their previous conversation had revealed Hera's close ties to Andrew. Melanie detested such favoritism, especially when it came from students who seemed unaware of their academic strengths. Melanie was determined not to let a student like Hera undermine her stellar teaching reputation, especially since she was someone who relied on connections rather than genuine merit! "Welcome to Cavenridge International Academy, but don't expect a warm welcome from junior year Class A," Melanie said in plain Terranish. Then, pretending she had made a mistake, she swiftly switched to Jadonish. "Oops, you probably don't speak Terranish, do you? What I meant was—" "Ms. Miller, what do you mean by this?" Robert looked awkward. Hera stayed quiet. "I mean exactly what I said," Melanie replied as she waved the document. "How can she follow the lectures if she hasn't even passed the basic fourth level of Terranish? How will she manage exams? "Allowing her into Class A will only lower the standards for the top 50 students and hurt Cavenridge's admission rate!" Melanie stated firmly. Meanwhile, Robert's discomfort grew more evident. Hera's academic record revealed she hadn't passed any Terranish levels, and her grades didn't meet Cavenridge's admission criteria. Yet, the point wasn't her academic performance. It was that she was a student specifically placed by Andrew! "Ms. Miller, Hera is Dean—" Melanie interrupted him sharply, "Mr. Larkin, there's no need for further discussion. Everyone should understand their limitations. "Since she's incapable of taking the entrance exam, let her join the class appropriate for her—Class K." Class K was designed for students who entered through alternative means, comprising only those ranked at the lowest level for their year. Hera remained silent. "Quite the assertive stance there, Class A's homeroom teacher." A pleasant male voice echoed from the office doorway. Turning around, the three noticed that a man had silently appeared at the entrance.