Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 157

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, inside a black sports car, Salma sat rigidly in the back seat, her hands placed nervously on her knees. In all her life, she had never been in such an expensive vehicle and was terrified of breaking something, so she barely dared to move.

“Juniper must have caused a lot of trouble for the school recently,” Shanley said, turning his head. The cold aura around him dissipated as he spoke to her with utmost respect. “On behalf of her and her family, thank you.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Schwartz,” Salma replied, still tense. “I should be the one thanking you. You were a great help with those documents.”

When Mr. Schwartz had called about Juniper, he had learned she was out dealing with a work issue and had encountered some bureaucratic hurdles. He had personally intervened, resolving in under two minutes a problem she had been struggling with for two weeks.

“I heard there was an issue with cheating on this recent quiz…” Shanley began, his voice calm and even, yet it carried an unnerving weight. “I find that hard to believe.”

He knew Juniper well. She had money, talent… and was usually as lazy as a kitten, preferring not to lift a finger. She wouldn’t, and more importantly, wouldn't deign to do something like that.

“It’s likely a misunderstanding,” Salma agreed with a nod, her own expression troubled. She had known Juniper since she’d enrolled. The girl was polite, talented, and possessed a strong sense of justice. She still remembered her performance at the gala and how she had stood up for her classmates. It just didn’t fit the profile of someone who would do something so foolish.

“Rest assured, Mr. Schwartz, I will investigate this thoroughly and ensure no one wrongfully accuses her,” Salma promised, her nerves on high alert. The Dean was a strict, upright man who couldn’t tolerate any misconduct. His crackdown on “cheating” came from a place of concern for the school, but his direct personality and short temper often made him speak without thinking. She hoped Juniper hadn't been too frightened by him.

“Thank you for your trouble, Salma,” Shanley said with a slight, elegant nod.

Hearing her audacious words, the other teachers exchanged glances, muttering among themselves. She certainly acted like a genius. They just weren’t sure if it was confidence or a desperate bluff.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” the Dean said, placing the exams down and retreating to the sofa. “The clock is starting. You may begin. If you want to give up at any point, just say so.”

Juniper merely smiled faintly and, without another word, picked up her pen and began to write.

The room fell silent, with more than a dozen pairs of eyes fixed on her, a mixture of doubt and anticipation in their gaze. If she failed, she would probably be expelled. But if she really did get a perfect score… wouldn’t that make their school famous?