The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 173

Even though Shakira was twenty minutes late, she ended up being the first to submit her paper. This quickly became the talk of the campus forum, with Shakira's rebellious actions sparking plenty of student chatter: [The academic prodigy really lives up to the title-finishing in such a short time, she probably didn't even look at the questions before jumping to the answers!]

[Doesn't anyone else think Shakira is a bit pretentious? Don't rush to judge me; putting past incidents aside, her recent behavior seems overly calculated.]

[Exactly, her grades before college weren't great at all. How did she suddenly leap so far ahead? Maybe she thinks she's already got a spot with the Lopez Group, so she doesn't care!]

[Wow, who's spreading these conspiracy theories? Shakira showed her skills during a class-wide exam earlier this semester- it's clear she works hard behind the scenes without needing to announce it!]

[This is funny. Shakira has so many fans now; she's just enjoying her privilege. She hasn't saved your lives, so why all the admiration?]

The forum buzzed with differing opinions all night until the school released an official statement: [Students are strictly prohibited from misusing signal blockers, and only authorized personnel may access the rooftop.] This led to more chaos in the forum.

What's going on? Signal blocker? Rooftop?]

[Wait, before the exam today, Shakira told the proctor the rooftop door was broken.]

[Shakira was stuck on the rooftop, and someone intentionally activated the signal blocker, almost keeping her from the exam?]

[I was in the top-floor classroom-no wonder I heard banging through my headphones! Shakira was knocking on the door!)

[Me too!)

[Same here!]

Shakira wasn't late on purpose-she was locked inside! If she hadn't escaped, she might still be stuck! This is awful; who

uld go so low as to trap Shakira before an exam?]

low terrible! Is that how they try to stop her success? The school needs to investigate thoroughly, those treacherous students should be expelled from Crescentville University!]

[Alright, I admit my earlier doubts about Shakira were unfounded... I owe her an apology.l

[Me too, I really should be ashamed for thinking that way about her..]

Shakira didn't check the school forum and hadn't even registered. When Xanthe told her about the gossip, they were out shopping for camping supplies.

An hour ago, people were saying you're just seeking attention and acting all flashy. Who knew that an hour later, the truth would come out? Those who slandered you are now lining up to apologize; it's so satisfying Xanthe laughed, showing Shakira her phone.. Shakira glanced at it casually and said. "Uh-huh."

Xanthe continued, "The school is quick this time; I've never seen such a fast response. It looks like Patrick had to approve

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Chapter 173

the official forum post, so he must know you're quite the campus star and is eager to help you out."

Shakira's expression stayed calm. The signal blocker incident is serious; if other problems arise, the school can't just wash their hands of it."

Xanthe thought for a moment, "That's a valid point." Turning her head, Xanthe noticed Shakira focused on her phone and teased. "Texting so intently, getting all cozy with Mr. Lopez, huli

Just as Shakira was about to clarify that it wasn't Walter, she decided not to explain. Xanthe took her silence as confirmation and kept teasing her. Gideon rarely spoke up in their group clut, so Shakira asked about their plans.

Gideon: [When's my dear Shakira free? It's been ages since we shared a meal and looked at the stars together!]

Shakira: [Sorry! It might be a few days.

Gideon: Bummer.]

Sean: Gideon, be considerate; Shakira's busy with final exams right now ]

Gideon: [When will they be done?]

Sean: [In two days!]

Shakira: How do you know that?]

Sean nearly choked on his drink. Not only did he know when Shakira's exams would end, but he also knew she was planning o go camping the day after.

This info came from Xanthe, of course. Fortunately, Sean wasn't a fast typist; if he had sent that too quickly, Shakira, being as sharp as she was, would've connected the dots.

Scan: [Shakira, don't forget that your internship next semester is also with Yonder Digital, the contact person told me. I'm keeping tabs!]

Shakira: [Yes, I've been swamped with exams. Once they're over. I'll go camping, and after the results come in, winter break officially starts.] Gideon: [Camping? Shakira, I want to go too!]

Shakira: [It's organized by our class, so it might not be easy...]

Gideon: [Can't family come? I promise I'll be good and won't be a hassle.]

Shakira: [Gideon, sweetie, there will be many classmates, and it might be tricky to look after you. Let's find another time to hang out.]

Gideon tried pleading a few more times, but Shakira stuck to her guns. Sean suddenly had an idea and messaged Xanthe. Sean: [Is there someone Shakira cares about going on the camping trip?]

Xanthe, walking ahead, was startled by Sean's unexpected question. Quickly glancing back at Shakira, Xanthe hurried a few steps forward, thinking about Sean's question.

No matter what, Xanthe couldn't let Sean stir up any trouble. Xanthe: [No, just classmates.]

Sean: [You took this long to type; something's up.]

Xanthe [22]

Sean: [Send me the time and place, and I'll join you]

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Xanthe: [!!]

Benji, still unable to head home, took a special detour from the branch office to the headquarters to see Walter. Despite Walter being ungrateful for keeping him from going home, Benji felt the need to check on Walter during this cold war with Shakira.

As he approached, whistling, Benji expected a gloomy atmosphere in Walter's office but was surprised to see the previously dreary secretaries enjoying afternoon tea from a fancy hotel.

Benji took a step back. "Am I in the wrong office?"