Chapter 5: It's Not So Easy to Turn Things Around

After finishing her speech, Aurora Geordie still maintained a calm and composed expression. Standing on the stage, although she was wearing a crop top, she didn't appear frivolous as one might expect; instead, she exuded an air of freedom and nonchalance, making her stand out among the students. She had no intention of stepping down, nor was she swayed by the rumors. She simply watched the murmuring crowd below, with a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she were enjoying some kind of show.

She let them talk, letting them gossip to their heart's content.

The noise in the auditorium grew louder and more unpleasant, until finally, the vice principal, his face turning ashen, slammed the table and barked, "Silence!"

The deep, resonant voice of the middle-aged man echoed through the hall, finally bringing the chaotic room to a hush.

The vice principal glared at Aurora Geordie, his tone harsh, "Aurora Geordie, do you have anything to say?"

Aurora Geordie nodded to the vice principal, tapped the microphone in her hand to ensure it was working, and then spoke, "The student who just spoke is indeed my high school classmate, but I do not agree with what she said about me being pregnant and having a chaotic personal life. I did have a boyfriend in high school, but we never crossed any lines. I was not pregnant, and my personal life was not chaotic."

May Cowper had always despised Aurora Geordie. Her family, the Zhangs, were a prominent and respectable clan, and they would never allow someone like Aurora Geordie, whom she considered lowly, into their family. When Aurora Geordie was dating Murray Poe, Yaoyao felt humiliated in her social circles, constantly ridiculed. So, she had been plotting to break them up, and when they finally broke up, she was almost overjoyed. Now, she saw this as an opportunity to kick Aurora Geordie while she was down.

She deliberately raised her voice, "Vice Principal, there's no way for her to deny these things. Her chaotic personal life is known by everyone in the school. Who knows, she might bring her old habits to Imperial University. Therefore, I suggest expelling her!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Aurora Geordie's voice, amplified by the microphone, cut through, instantly overpowering May Cowper's, "Oh? Since this student is so certain, I wonder, did you personally witness my so-called chaotic personal life, or did you see me get pregnant and have an abortion?"

May Cowper's voice rose shrilly, "Your disgraceful acts were seen by all the students. You can't deny it!"

Aurora Geordie, still with a faint smile, calmly asked again, "Please, don't interrupt. I'm asking, did you personally see me get pregnant and have an abortion, and engage in promiscuous behavior with multiple men?"

May Cowper was left speechless. How could she have known if Aurora Geordie was doing something wrong? "I didn't see it, but—"

"So, this student has no evidence?" Aurora Geordie sharply interrupted her, her once dull eyes now bright and piercing, like a beacon, illuminating every gaze that tried to probe. She looked intently at the students seated in the auditorium and asked, "And what about the rest of you? Those who were discussing so heatedly just now, where did you hear that I was pregnant and had a chaotic personal life? Did you see it with your own eyes, or did you see it on social media?"

The students, who had been talking animatedly, fell silent, exchanging glances. They realized they didn't actually know the truth; they had only heard about it through social media and the news. The incident had caused a stir, and many parents, learning of it, had demanded the school expel Aurora Geordie to prevent her from corrupting their children.

Under pressure, the principal had tried to expel Aurora Geordie, but she refused to leave. She was forcibly removed by security, causing a scene at the school gate, crying and pleading to be allowed back. Everyone in the school knew about it, but no one had actually seen her engaging in any improper behavior. Instead, they often saw her studying diligently, arriving early to the playground to memorize English words and being the last to leave the self-study room.

Seeing the silence, Aurora Geordie smiled slightly, "Since no one has direct evidence, please refrain from spreading false information. Slander and defamation are serious offenses!"

May Cowper, seeing Aurora Geordie twist the facts, fumed, "Aurora Geordie, don't think that just because you’re in a new school, no one knows your past. Dr. from the school clinic personally diagnosed you as pregnant!"

The crowd erupted in shock. If it was confirmed by a school doctor, there was no escape!

Facing this seemingly irrefutable evidence, Aurora Geordie remained unperturbed, even smiling slightly. She nodded sincerely to May Cowper and then addressed the vice principal and the entire audience, "I can tell you all with a clear conscience that I was not pregnant in high school, nor did I have a chaotic personal life. I have already initiated legal proceedings against Dr., the school doctor, for defaming my reputation. I am seeking both the restoration of my name and substantial civil compensation."

May Cowper was left speechless, opening and closing her mouth, trying to speak, but Aurora Geordie cut her off again, "I also urge all students not to discuss this matter. For those who spread rumors and cause me further harm, I will not hesitate to take legal action."

The crowd exchanged looks again, really going to court?

"You—"

May Cowper, her face pale, finally said, "I’ll see how you manage to win this lawsuit!"

How could a poor girl like Aurora Geordie afford a lawyer? Getting into Imperial University was already a stroke of luck; did she really have the means to turn things around?

May Cowper sat down, temporarily silent. Unexpectedly, Aurora Geordie, still standing on the stage, declared with righteous indignation, "As a member of Imperial University, I am well aware that my actions reflect on the university. I will conduct myself with integrity and not tarnish our school's reputation. I will hire the best lawyer to defend me and ensure that this case is handled properly, preventing anyone from using this to smear our institution."

The vice principal, who had been stern-faced, seemed to relax, nodding approvingly. This confident demeanor was exactly what a student of Imperial University should have.

In the auditorium, the students continued to whisper, and amidst the myriad of discussions, Murray Poe's face darkened.

That girl seemed different from before...

Despite all the shameful acts she had allegedly committed, why did he feel a strange, flickering desire to rekindle his feelings for her?

He didn't notice the dark look in Nicole Palmer's eyes beside him. She had worked hard to win Murray Poe away from that despicable Aurora Geordie, and they were even planning to get engaged. She would not allow Aurora Geordie to interfere with their relationship!

Trying to make a comeback? It wouldn't be that easy!