Chapter 169: Her Furious Gaze Instantly Sharpened with Calculation

Her furious gaze instantly sharpened with calculation.

Perfect.

So that's how it was.

No wonder she aced the final interview.

Victoria Holloway swiftly pulled out her phone, snapping multiple shots of the retreating figures.

The frozen screen showed Elias Mercer half a step behind Clara Whitmore, his tall frame completely enveloping her petite form.

With clever camera angles, it appeared as though he was intimately embracing her.

This trip had been worth it.

A cold smirk curled Victoria's lips. Clara had only herself to blame for overreaching and standing in her way.

Back in her car, she immediately opened her laptop and logged into Ashford University's official website.

The whistleblower email was prominently displayed on the homepage.

With practiced efficiency, she uploaded the photos and typed out a righteous accusation: "...To uphold our century-old institution's integrity and eradicate academic corruption, we demand an immediate investigation into Clara Whitmore's admission qualifications."

Clicking "Send Anonymously," the email vanished into cyberspace.

Simultaneously, a viral post exploded across Ashford University's forums.

The scandalous rumors about the top graduate candidate and the celebrity professor ignited the internet during the sensitive interview period.

Hashtags like #AcademicSeductress and #AdmissionsScandal rocketed to the top of trending lists.

"Bedroom skills trump years of study? Is this Ashford University's new admission standard?"

"Let's investigate her undergrad 'extracurricular activities'—we all know what that means."

"When education becomes transactional, what hope do ordinary students have?"

"Photo evidence! How long will Ashford University stay silent?"

"Revoke Clara Whitmore's admission! Fire that unethical professor!"

"If we stay silent today, who will speak for us tomorrow? Share this!"

"Dox her! Let society see her true colors!"

* * *

Sloane Bennett spilled hermilk tea across the couch when the notifications flooded in.

Her trembling fingers scrolled through the already-toxic comment section.

"Oh no, no no no..."

She exited the app and frantically dialed Clara's number.

Clara was currently buried in research notes.

After passing the final interview, she'd immediately plunged into preparation for lab team selections.

Her desk overflowed with meticulous schedules, every minute accounted for—even hydration breaks.

She barely glanced up when answering the call.

"You're still studying?" Sloane's voice cracked. "Someone posted photos of you with Elias online! The entire internet's accusing you of sleeping your way in!"

Clara's fountain pen gouged a jagged line across her notes.