Chapter 170: The Comments on Her Phone Screen Kept Refreshing

The comments on her phone screen kept refreshing, each one as sharp as a knife.

Clara's fingers trembled slightly, almost dropping her phone.

"Clara? Are you still there?"

Sloane's anxious voice suddenly rose through the phone.

Clara stared at the vicious comments, her throat tight. "...I'm fine."

"Don't pay attention to those trolls. They have no idea how much effort you've put in. My brother and I won't let you suffer like this."

Sloane's words warmed Clara's heart.

"Thank you, Sloane."

As soon as she hung up, Elias's call popped up.

"Someone is deliberately manipulating public opinion," he said bluntly. "This backlash is clearly targeting your grad school admission results."

Clara bit her lower lip, silent.

"The university has formed an investigation team," Elias said calmly. "The truth will come out soon."

"Can we find out who did this?"

"It's only a matter of time. Professor Miriam has already stepped forward to vouch for you."

It turned out that when the backlash first started, Professor Miriam had been the first to defend her.

The strict professor had actually been the first to speak up for her.

Clara pictured Professor Miriam arguing firmly on her behalf, and her lips curled into a small smile.

"Thank you."

Elias noticed the lightness in her voice. "Feeling better now?"

"Yeah."

"Excellence is never a crime," he said gently. "Don't be afraid. I'll always be here for you."

Clara's ears burned. "Okay."

* * *

The next day, the trending list was completely transformed.

The smear posts from yesterday had vanished, replaced by the full video of Clara's grad school interview.

In the footage, she remained composed, answering every question flawlessly.

Her responses to each technical question were impeccable.

The comment section exploded:

Is this really a live interview? She's unshakable!

As an Ashford University grad student, I can confirm the interview process is strict—no way to fake it.

Seriously, her eyes light up when she answers questions!

Finally, someone noticed her looks! Genius + beauty—what a dream combo!

Am I the only one shipping her with Professor Mercer? Quietly raising my CP flag!