The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1568

Shirley sat with her eyes lowered, her feelings all tangled up inside while her thoughts ran wild.

“Mr. Lane really thinks highly of her.” Her classmate propped her chin on her palm, spilling every bit of gossip she knew. “And you know what? She and Dr. Cole are actually good friends.”

“Wait, what?” Karan, who’d been quiet the entire time, finally looked up, eyebrows raised. “She knows Dr. Cole?”

“Yup.” Her classmate nodded. “Oh, right. You were out of the country doing research, so you probably missed what’s been going on here recently.”

Karan placed her spoon down, her face turning serious.

“Charlotte, from Kingswood University next door, is Dr. Cole.” Just mentioning her seemed to make the classmate a little nervous; she swallowed hard. “Shirley was in the same class as her in high school, and they stayed friends in college. They’re pretty close.”

“That last physics competition? Dr. Cole secretly helped Shirley out.” It might have just been a rumor, but everyone knew she’d given Shirley reference books. Considering how tight Dr. Cole was with Mr. Lane, it was obvious Shirley’s gold medal wasn’t won alone.

“Karan, Shirley’s got both Mr. Lane and Dr. Cole in her corner. You really need to watch out for that exchange program spot,” the classmate reminded her quietly.

Karan grabbed a steamed bun, tearing it slowly, piece by piece. “I’ll let my skills speak for themselves,” she answered, chewing at a measured pace.

After all, Shirley was only a first-year student. No matter how talented she was, it was hard to believe she could beat her.

“I’m just saying, stay sharp.” Her classmate let out a deep sigh, clearly enjoying the drama. “Otherwise, you’ll be the last to know when she takes the spot through her connections. These days, nothing matters more than who you know.”

Karan didn’t say a word. Her face darkened by the second. She had always trusted her own abilities, had been sure she’d beat Shirley and secure the exchange slot. Now her confidence felt shaky. Just knowing Shirley had Mr. Lane’s attention was unsettling enough. And now, she was close with Dr. Cole too. Even Mr. Lane had to show Dr. Cole respect. If Charlotte asked Mr. Lane to help Shirley behind everyone’s backs… this competition was as good as lost.

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