The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1603

“Karan is the star student of the physics department at The Cabinda University, and you’re telling me she just lost to a freshman?”

“The whole grad school’s been freaking out about it. Karan trained for years for this competition, she was sure she’d win the exchange program spot. And look what happened…”

Most of the students in the audience were from physics. Conversations buzzed through the room.

“I mean, come on. Shirley’s still a first-year. Learning grad-level stuff is already wild, but finishing the test before Karan? That’s next level.”

There was no denying Shirley had a real gift for physics, but genius? That was a stretch. Not everyone could be another Dr. Cole.

“Karan’s not just top-tier at The Cabinda University. If she went to global competitions, she’d be at the front of the pack. To lose to a freshman…”

The girl in heavy makeup flicked a strand of hair behind her ear, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Makes you wonder if this competition is even legit.”

Everyone around her paused and looked over. Was she accusing Shirley…

Of cheating?

People had heard the third round was designed by Dr. Cole, and Dr. Cole actually knew Shirley. If she wanted to help, maybe she could have leaked some questions. That didn’t sound completely impossible.

“Crazy, isn’t it?” Pandora stared up at the leaderboard, her fingers curling tight. Her voice was cold. “Cheating out in the open at an event like this… Best case, she gets put on probation. Worst, expelled.”

Just a minute ago, Karan had sent her a message: she claimed she had proof Shirley was cheating. She said she’d reveal everything once they announced the results.

Pandora didn’t even have to do anything. Shirley’s reputation was about to go up in smoke. Honestly, it wasn’t like Shirley could compare to Andrew in the first place, but after this? No way.

Trying to compete with her? Absolutely delusional.

In the very back row, a group of friends had overheard every word.

***

Ten minutes ticked by. Finally, the results were ready.

The last five contestants took the stage, one after the other. Shirley and Karan were the final two.

“You never really know how things will turn out until the very end, do you?” Karan said, striding beside Shirley. Her eyes were red and wild, her face pale as paper, and she gave off an almost haunted vibe.

Shirley met her gaze, frowning, but didn’t say anything. Was this girl being dramatic, or did she actually believe she was being targeted?

“Just wait and see!”

When Shirley didn’t answer, Karan seemed even more convinced of her suspicions. There was no way she was going to let Shirley win the spot, especially not if she’d cheated to get there.