Chapter 5

The male student reminded everyone, "Hurry up, the competition's about to start. We're going first. Don't waste your time on her."

"Exactly. We've got a real shot at winning today. Once we get that 1.5 million dollars, we'll be set!"

"Sylvester, you won't have to worry about your mom's medical bills anymore. Didn't you borrow ten thousand dollars from your relative? You can pay it all back."

When someone mentioned the money, Sylvester's gaze darkened as he looked at me. So he'd never told anyone that the money had come from me.

He said, "You guys go in and sign in first. I'll find a place to lock her up so she doesn't come out and cause trouble."

"What? You can't—"

Before I could finish, Sylvester suddenly clamped a hand over my mouth and forcibly dragged me into the men's restroom. I struggled desperately, trying to call for help. But when people passed by and saw it was me, they pointed with morbid interest instead.

"Did you see the group chat? She's the senior named Jolene who plagiarized and extorted money from students. She even harassed the team leader and slept with a judge."

"Look at Sylvester's face. He must be furious. If it were me, I'd stab her for stirring up trouble during such an important event."

The restroom door slammed shut. After confirming there was no one else inside, Sylvester finally let go of me.

I warned coldly, "Sylvester, let me out before you commit a crime for real. Let me be clear. I'm not a student, and I'm not a janitor either. I'm one of the judges for today's finals!"

Sylvester raised his eyebrows. "You? There's a limit to lying, Jolene."

He swept his gaze over me, and his eyes finally lingered at the collar of my blouse.

There was a greedy look in his eyes as he said, "You do have a really nice body. It's better than the girls I've dated before. I'm about to go on stage. But how about I get a quick feel first? If we win, I'll give you two thousand dollars. Every time you accompany me after that, I'll give you another thousand dollars."

He didn't sound like he was joking.

Cold sweat trickled down my neck. I backed away until my back hit the wall.

I gulped and asked, "Sylvester, think of your mom. What would she say if she found out about this?"

He laughed and said, "My mom? She doesn't know a thing. She thinks that the ten thousand dollars was from my scholarship."

Sylvester walked closer and reached for my bra strap.

Just then, someone knocked urgently on the door outside. "Sylvester, hurry up! The competition's starting!"

Sylvester smacked his lips in regret and shrugged. "There's no rush, Jolene. I'll come find you after I'm done."

With that, he walked out of the restroom, locking the door behind him.

I gasped for air. Only after I was sure he was gone did I rush to the door and shout for help. Luckily, someone who was passing by heard me and let me out. I quickly thanked them, straightened my blouse, and ran straight for the presentation hall.

When I entered, the first two teams were already waiting backstage.

Sylvester stood there looking all polished and proper, smiling brightly. When the host introduced the other judges, he even nodded and bowed slightly, eager to leave a good impression.

Then, he saw me.

Everyone froze and stared at Sylvester in panic.

I didn't say a word. Right before them, I pulled out the chair in the middle and sat down.

Sylvester's face turned deathly pale.

Just then, the host happened to introduce me, "Next is a professor who just transferred here from Centura University. She's the youngest economics professor in our school's history! Let us welcome the head judge, Jolene Zimmerman!"