Chapter 2

The head of campus security pushed through the crowd with several security guards. When he saw the bodyguard lying on the ground, his expression immediately darkened.

“What are you people doing, causing a scene on the first day of the semester?”

Janice immediately pointed at me.

“Mr. Bailey, this woman here is wearing a knockoff and tried to frame me. Then she attacked my bodyguard.

“Arrest her right now.”

Marcus Bailey followed her finger and looked at me. His gaze lingered on my face for several seconds, but it was obvious he didn’t recognize me.

I had only arrived in Jorvan yesterday evening, after all.

The university website had originally been prepared to publish my credentials and photograph, but I had called it off at the last minute.

I wanted an unfiltered look at what this century-old institution was truly like before making my official appearance. Now, it seemed I’d made the right decision.

Marcus walked up to me, his tone stern.

“Show me your student ID.”

“I don’t have one.”

“Which school are you in?”

“None.”

Marcus let out a cold laugh.

“You’re not even a student here, and you still dare to come onto campus and make a scene?

“Security, take her to the security office.”

I looked at him.

“You’re not even asking what happened or checking the security footage?”

“Ms. Morrison already explained everything.”

“So you believe whatever she says?”

A flicker of impatience crossed Marcus’s face.

“Ms. Morrison has no reason to frame you.

“You, on the other hand, sneaked onto campus wearing a fake designer label and deliberately approached Ms. Morrison. I have every reason to suspect you’re up to something.

“Search her bag, too. See if she has any hidden cameras.”

Two security guards stepped forward and reached for my handbag.

I held onto the strap, my voice turning colder.

“You have no right to search my personal belongings without law enforcement present.”

Marcus waved dismissively. “Save it. If something happens, I’ll take responsibility.”

“You can’t afford that responsibility.”

Marcus stared at my face, then suddenly laughed.

“For a student who can’t even afford the real thing, you sure talk a big game.

“I’ve worked on this campus for more than ten years, and I’ve never seen a student as difficult as you.”

Janice folded her arms, watching me with satisfaction.

“Mr. Bailey, she needs to take off that dress, too. I won’t have someone wearing a counterfeit around campus ruining my reputation.”

Marcus hesitated. “That might not be appropriate.”

“My uncle will be here any minute.”

Janice spoke calmly, “Or should I have him deal with it himself?”

Marcus immediately changed his tune.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Morrison. I’ll take care of it.”

He looked at the two female security guards beside him and ordered, “Take her away.”

One of the female guards grabbed my arm.

“Come on. Don’t make us get physical.”

I didn’t move.

“My phone was damaged. Deal with the property damage first.”

Janice burst out laughing.

“It’s just a crappy phone. I’ll pay you for it.”

She pulled a wad of bills from her bag and tossed them straight at me.

They scattered across the ground.

“That’s ten thousand bucks. That’s enough to buy you a new crappy phone and that knockoff you’re wearing, right?”

A wave of gasps swept through the crowd. Quite a few people were already holding up their phones, recording everything.

Janice clearly enjoyed having everyone’s attention on her.

She stepped over the money on the ground and walked up to me.

“Pick it up, then apologize to me. Then, I might consider letting the whole thing about you hurting my bodyguard go.”

I looked at the money at my feet without bending down.

“You apologize to me, pay for my phone, and go to the security office voluntarily to cooperate with the investigation.

“Then, I might consider going easy on you, too.”