Chapter 874

Joelle felt a chill run down her spine, but the perks Shay had promised kept her going, giving her the courage to face the situation head-on.

The principal adjusted his glasses, looking straight at her. "Joelle, I asked Josefina to give this lecture for your benefit. She's competed nationally and can explain the competition process and demonstrate the experiments right here for everyone. If you don't want to attend, that's fine. No one's twisting your arm, right?"

He was clearly frustrated. Convincing Josefina to hold this lecture had been no small feat, and he was keen on boosting the students' medical knowledge.

But Joelle, with her reluctance to participate, seemed to be hindering those who were eager to learn.

"I'll put up a sign-up sheet for those interested," the principal continued. "If you're not keen, just don't sign up. Simple as that."

Joelle was left speechless.

"Principal, Josefina is also a student. Isn't this a bit inappropriate?" she finally managed to say.

"I discussed this with the headmaster. If you have any issues, feel free to take it up with him," he replied coolly.

With several teachers looking on, Joelle stormed out of the office, her anger evident.

The principal shook his head as she left. "Joelle's attitude is really disappointing," he remarked.

The other teachers nodded in agreement. "I don't know what's going on in her head. This is such a rare opportunity, and she's just throwing it away," one commented.

"Josefina is incredibly talented. Listening to her lecture is a privilege for everyone," another added, as the teachers continued to sing Josefina's praises.

...

The lecture was scheduled for 4 p.m., set to last an hour.

Josefina, dressed in a sharp suit with a crisp white shirt and a black blazer, her hair neatly tied back, approached the podium. Her subtle makeup highlighted her features, adding a touch of allure.

The lecture hall was packed, with some students bringing their own stools due to the lack of seats, and others standing just to catch her words.

Whispers filled the room. "Is she the national final exam champion? A real beauty with brains!"

"I heard she's got a boyfriend," someone said.

"Like that would help you if she didn't," another replied with a grin.

A quieter voice added, "I heard she says she has a boyfriend just to keep guys at bay."

"Well, if she did have a boyfriend, he'd be showing it off, not wanting to lose her," someone mused.

These whispers reached Oliver, who

was dressed casually in a white

shirt figh

jeans speakers and a

baseball cap, giving off an

effortlessly cool vibe even without a

clear view of his face.

Feeling the need to make a statement, Oliver was ready to declare his feelings for her publicly.

Just then, Shay entered with her group through the back door, spotting Oliver in the crowd.

She squeezed her way next to him, greeting him softly, "Hey, bro."

Oliver barely looked her way, moving aside without a word, leaving Shay red-faced and fuming.

Was Oliver really ditching work just to see Josefina's lecture?

The thought filled Shay with a mix of anger and jealousy.

Joelle leaned in, whispering to Shay, "Is that your boyfriend?"

Their friends looked on curiously, but Shay, trying to play it cool,

laughed it off." "Oh, come on, don't be

swnoget

silly."

Joelle's eyes sparkled with envy. "Oh, Shay, you're blushing. He must be your boyfriend, then."