Rylie explained, "After the entrance exams, each cohort selects a freshman representative. I heard they can even get recommended to the Academic Committee —that's a huge honor!"
Riley blinked. "Doesn't sound that interesting."
The Academic Committee?
Sounds like a bunch of old men sitting around debating things all day.
I'd rather spend that time refining a few more formulas.
Suddenly, Rylie gasped and grabbed Riley's arm. "Riley—why are you on the freshman representative list?!"
"What?"
Riley turned, eyes widening.
"Look!" Rylie shoved her phone over.
Riley glanced down—and there she was.
Dead last.
The photo used for her registration was a candid shot of her outside campus, hugging her bunny.
There were 357 applicants in total.
And Riley sat firmly at the bottom… with a grand total of one vote.
Riley frowned. "I didn't sign up."
"I know you didn't!" Rylie said angrily. "Those idiots must've signed you up just to embarrass you!"
Scrolling through the comments, the ridicule had already begun.
[Who doesn't know Riley? That fool who got in through connections actually dared to run for freshman rep. What a joke.]
Replies flooded in immediately.
[Who? Riley? Never heard of her. I only saw Felicia in the top 50.]
[Wait, really? I just voted for her. She's pretty.]
Riley glanced at her vote count again.
Three votes now.
Nice.
These three people have taste.
Still, being at the very bottom meant the comment barely made a ripple before sinking into obscurity.
Riley didn't bother with it.
Petty tricks like this aren't even worth my time.
Right now, she had something far more important to worry about—
Her meeting with Adrian tonight.
Hopefully I don't get exposed…
She and Rylie parted ways at the campus gate.
Rylie stood frozen in place as she watched an elegantly dressed older man step out of a car, open the door for Riley, and respectfully address her—
"Madam."
It took her a long moment to process.
That title… isn't that only used after marriage?
Riley… is married?!
***
Back at Clearbrooke Estate, Riley began preparing for the night.
Adrian was leaving on a business trip tomorrow.
Tonight was her best chance.
She needed to assess his condition first—then figure out how to extend his lifespan.
Not even twenty-five…
Every time she thought about it, her chest tightened.
I already have to play the fool… I'm not about to add "husband-killer" to my reputation too.
Adrian was still at the company and hadn't come home for dinner.
Which gave her more time to prepare.
Their meeting was set for 10 p.m., and it was still early.
Riley went upstairs, put on makeup, changed into a different outfit—
Then slipped out through the window.
She headed to Infinity Plaza ahead of time to scout the area.
If anything went wrong, she would need a clean escape route.
Mask on, she entered Imperial Bar inside the plaza, booked a luxurious private suite, and headed upstairs.
The bar truly lived up to its reputation as the biggest in the capital—its layout was like a maze.
Without scouting first, she would've gotten lost for sure.
She ordered two bottles of alcohol and lounged on the sofa, sipping casually.
Then—
The door burst open.
"Evan, I feel dizzy… I'm not feeling well. I want to go home…"
Riley lifted her gaze.
At the doorway stood Felicia—clinging to the frame, cheeks flushed, breathing unevenly.
What a coincidence.