Chapter 7
A few days later, the Outstanding Student Awards ceremony was held ceremoniously in the main auditorium.
I wore a simple shirt and slacks, sitting in the winners‘ waiting area.
The moment I sat down, looks came at me from all directions–curious, probing, contemptuous, even some undisguised schadenfreude.
Kira and Derek were there too, sitting in the front row of the audience section.
Kira had deliberately worn a faded old dress, her eyes showing undisguised worry and heartbreak, as if she couldn’t bear to witness my downfall.
Derek sat beside her, spine straight, his face showing the kind of anger that comes from betrayal.
The two of them looked like they weren’t here for an awards ceremony, but to attend a public trial of a “moral
criminal.”
The ceremony proceeded item by item, soon reaching the presentation of the highest–level Outstanding Student
award.
When my name was called, the applause from below wasn’t particularly enthusiastic, mixed with lots of buzzing
discussion.
stood up calmly and walked toward center stage.
ust as I was about to receive the certificate from the school leadership,
‘Wait!”
A voice suddenly cut through the solemn atmosphere of the auditorium.
Everyone looked in that direction.
Derek had shot up from his seat, holding a USB drive in his hand.
Principal, esteemed leaders! I believe student Quinn Sinclair is not qualified for this award! Her character completely fails to meet the standards of an outstanding student!”
Cameras and gazes instantly focused on him.
Kira also stood up, with a pained expression of wanting to speak but holding back.
‘Derek, don’t say anything… leave Quinn some dignity…”
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“No! 1 cannot stand by and watch this kind of behavior tarnish the school’s honor!”
Derek shook off Kira’s hand and strode toward control station beside the main stage, inserting the USB drive
without hesitation.
The school leaders on the main stage looked at each other, momentarily unsure how to react.
The next second, that secretly taken photo of me and my dad appeared prominently on the big screen.
“Everyone look!”
Derek pointed at the screen, his voice full of anguish, as if bearing enormous betrayal and disappointment.
“This is Quinn Sinclair with her… sugar daddy! She’s being kept by someone!”
“The evidence is clear!”
“Her sugar daddy even got her a private jet, her luxury spending, her chauffeur service–this is how she gets it all!”
He turned to look at me, his eyes full of grief and accusation: “Quinn! I originally thought you were just vain, I never imagined you would degrade yourself and sink to this level! You’ve disappointed me so much!”
“What gives you the right to receive this award? Just because your sugar daddy has money and power?”
Kira timely let out soft sobbing sounds, using a handkerchief to dab at non–existent tears at the corners of her eyes, as if heartbroken over her friend’s downfall.
The audience below completely erupted.
All eyes were like spotlights trained on me, waiting to see my reaction, waiting to watch me be completely disgraced.
I stood at center stage, under the spotlight, looking at those two incredibly fake faces written all over with jealousy.
Not only did I not panic, I actually let out a light, clear laugh.
calmly picked up the microphone, my voice carrying through the sound system to fill the entire auditorium:
Are you finished?”
‘My turn now.”
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Chapter 8
