Chapter 100
Stella'POV
"Today we've heard from seven alumni, each one an industry elite," Brian continued, practically oozing false concern, "except for Ms. Winston, who graduated just last year. Tell me,do you truly believe you deserve to be on this stage as an exemplary alumni speaker?"
The room went quiet. I could feel hundreds of eyes on me,waiting. Lucy stood at the side of the stage with a barely suppressed grin, clearly enjoying my predicament.
Deep breath, Stella. Don't let them see you sweat.
"First, I'd like to correct a point of misinformation," I said,keeping my voice steady despite wanting to tell Brian exactly where he could shove his question. "I completed my combined bachelor's and master's degrees through an accelerated program.
Before questioning someone's qualifications, it's important to have your facts straight."
A few people laughed, and I saw Brian's face twitch with surprise before he covered it with indignation.
That's right, asshole. I'm not the pushover you think I am.
"If you have specific concerns about my presence here today,I'd be happy to address them after the ceremony," I continued. maintaining my composure. "However. I don't believe it's appropriate to take up everyone's valuable time with personal inquiries."
Brian stepped into the aisle, not backing down. "A master's degree is still just a piece of paper! It proves nothing about real-world accomplishments! And waiting until after the ceremony?By then, who will still care whether you're worthy of this platform or not?"
Who does he think he is?
Before I could respond, there was a commotion at the back of the auditorium. People started murmuring and turning in their seats. A pathway cleared as a familiar figure in a wheelchair made his way toward the front-Adam, looking like he'd stepped out of a GQ magazine cover.
Adam? What the-I thought he had meetings all day!
The university president practically tripped over himself rushing to greet Adam. Whispers rippled through the crowd as people recognized the CEO of GT Group. The president guided Adam to a reserved seat in the front row, directly facing the stage.
"The alumni speaker still hasn't answered my question." Brian pressed,somehow emboldened by Adam's arrival. "Outstanding alumni representatives must have sufficient qualifications and
achievements. I'd like to hear your justification. Education is sacred and shouldn't be used as a stepping stone for capital or connections!"
Rich coming from someone who's never earned anything on his own merit.
The event coordinator approached the podium, visibly uncomfortable. "Perhaps we should move on with our program-"
"I believe we should address this matter now," Adam's voice cut through the room like a knife. "This concerns the reputation of both the alumni and the institution. Don't you agree,President?"
The university president looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. "Well, I... perhaps a brief clarification would be appropriate."
Great. Now everyone's going to think I'm only here because of Adam.
As the tension in the room thickened, a young man in a casual blazer suddenly stood up from the alumni section. He was tall with an athletie build, his dark hair neatly styled.
"President," he called out, "if I may, I'd like to take a moment to share some context about Ms. Winston's achievements with
The president looked relieved. "Of course, Mr. Jones. Please proceed."
This Jones guy made his way to the stage. As he passed me,he gave me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I'll handle this," he murmured.
Who is this guy? Do I know him? I frantically searched my memory, but came up blank. I was sure I'd remember someone so confident.
"For those who don't know me, I'm Henry Jones, head of the Alumni Association's Recognition Committee," he addressed the audience. "We have a responsibility to identify and celebrate extraordinary graduates who bring honor to our institution."
He signaled to the tech booth. "If I could have the presentation,please?"
The screen behind the stage lit up with my university ID photo.
God, not that photo. I look like I haven't slept in a week.
"Stella Winston not only earned a combined bachelor's and master's degree but did so with the highest honors in her class,"Henry began, clicking through to a slide showing my academic transcripts. "She maintained a perfect GPA for six consecutive semesters and was unanimously selected for the Outstanding Graduate award." My jaw nearly dropped as he continued through a slideshow documenting achievements I'd never imagined anyone had tracked. Photos of me receiving various awards, copies of academic journal publications with my name, headlines from design competitions where I'd placed first.
How the hell did he get all this? Some of these photos I don't even have copies of!
"In addition to her academic excellence," Henry continued enthusiastically, "Ms. Winston has distinguished herself professionally by winning six international fashion design gold medals, the National Master Stylist championship, and-perhaps most impressively-becoming the youngest recipient of the Paris YEAR Visual Styling Gold Award in the competition's history."
The audience was buzzing now. I glanced at Lucy, whose smug smile had been replaced by a look of shock.
Not so cocky now,are we?
"For those in the fashion and design world," Henry added, "Ms.Winston is also known as the talent scout who discovered designer Frank Leclerc when his career was at risk of ending before it began. She was the creative force behind his groundbreaking 'Polar Night' collection, which fashion critics hailed as revolutionary." Seriously, who is this guy? Even I don't talk about my involvement with Frank's work that openly.
When Henry finished, the auditorium was silent. Brian was slinking toward the exit, his face red with humiliation. The faculty members were exchanging impressed glances. while students looked at me with newfound awe.
Well, this is awkward. Flattering, but awkward.
"I believe," Henry concluded with satisfaction, "this answers the question of why Ms. Winston was invited to speak today.Indeed, one might wonder why she wasn't featured more prominently in our program."
The audience erupted in applause. Several people stood up.and soon the entire auditorium was giving a standing ovation.
I stood frozen at the side of the stage, completely unprepared for this turn of events. When I glanced toward Adam, he wasn't looking at me-his gaze was fixed on Henry, his expression unreadable but his jaw tight.
That's Adam's "I'm not happy" face. Great.
Lucy stumbled forward to reclaim her hosting duties, but she was clearly rattled. "Th-thank you, Mr. Jones, for that...illuminating presentation," she stammered, fumbling with her notes. "We will now continue with our next alumni speaker...Dr. Jonathan Reynolds from the Class of 1998..." She tripped over several words, at one point announcing"nineteen-ninety-eighty" before hastily correcting herself. The event coordinator winced with each mistake.
Karma's a bitch, isn't it,Lucy?