Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 146

Chapter 146

57

Evelyn

“Evelyn, if you’re the chairman’s mentor, we have reason to suspect you leaked the questions. That’s how your school won!”

I kept my expression neutral despite the anger bubbling inside me. The competitor who’d spoken–a tall guy with glasses from Portland University–was staring at me with narrowed eyes. Several others nodded in agreement, murmurs rippling through the crowd.

I understand your concern,” I said evenly, “but I joined this competition because there was something more important at stake than winning. I shifted my gaze deliberately toward Samuel, who stood near the judges‘ table, his face carefully blank.

Samuel met my eyes for a moment before looking away, his fingers twitching nervously at his side. He knew I was onto him.

Before anyone could respond, the back doors of the auditorium burst open. Three men in dark suits strode purposefully down the center aisle, their faces stern as granite. The crowd parted instinctively, conversations dying mid–sentence.

“Samuel White?” The tallest agent stepped forward, flashing a badge. “FBI. You’re under arrest for cybersecurity crimes and illegal entry into the United

States.”

Samuel’s face drained of color. This is ridiculous,” he stammered, backing away. “I’m here legally on a student visa.”

“We have evidence that you’ve been attempting to access classified government databases using falsified credentials,” the agent stated flatly. “And your visa was obtained through fraudulent documentation.”

Two agents grabbed Samuel’s arms while the third recited his rights. The entire room had fallen into shocked silence as they handcuffed him and led him toward the exit. Samuel’s eyes found mine one last time, filled with venomous hatred.

‘You planned this, didn’t you?‘ his expression seemed to say.

I kept my face impassive, but inside, satisfaction spread through me like warm honey. The man who had tried to manipulate me into breaking federal law was getting exactly what he deserved.

As Samuel disappeared through the doors, Joe stepped onto the stage, clearing his throat. Well… that was unexpected,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. ‘Let’s get back to our scheduled program. I’m pleased to announce the winners of this year’s cybersecurity competition.”

The tension slowly dissipated as Joe read through the results. “First place goes to… Crescent Moon University!”

Applause broke out, though not as enthusiastically as it might have under normal circumstances. My teammates looked both thrilled and confused, unsure how to react after the dramatic arrest.

Joe continued, “As per the competition rules, the winning team members will be eligible for the international academic exchange program.”

After the ceremony concluded, I approached Joe. “Thanks for your help,” I said quietly. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

He gave me a knowing look, “So that’s what this was about. You wanted to catch Samuel in the act.” He shook his head, impressed. “I should’ve known you had an agenda beyond just competing.”

“So, am I still worthy of being your mentor?” I asked with a small smile.

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Chapter 146

Joe laughed. “Even though I hate to admit you’re better than me… yes, absolutely.”

“Good. I glanced at my watch. “I need to get some rest. We’ll catch up later?”

Joe nodded, and I made my escape from the crowded auditorium, my body finally acknowledging how exhausted I truly was.

I collapsed onto the plush sofa in my hotel room, every muscle in my body screaming with fatigue. The adrenaline that had carried me through the competition and Samuel’s arrest had completely drained away, leaving me hollow and spent.

You pushed yourself too hard today,” Devon said, his voice low with concern as he sat beside me. He brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch

gentle.

“It was worth it, I murmured, too tired to even open my eyes. “Samuel needed to be stopped.”

Devon was quiet for a moment, his fingers continuing to stroke my hair. “Olivia prepared a feast back at the house. She’s waiting for us to return.”

I managed a weak nod, not having the strength to argue. The thought of going back to the Hall mansion, with its reinforced walls and Devon’s protective presence, was incredibly appealing right now.

“Let’s go home,” I whispered.

Something shifted in Devon’s expression–surprise, followed by a softness I rarely saw in him. He didn’t comment on my use of the word “home,” but the slight curve of his lips told me he noticed.

By the time we reached the Hall mansion, I could barely keep my eyes open. Devon helped me inside, and I vaguely registered Olivia’s concerned voice, Emma’s offer of food, and Devon’s firm insistence that I needed rest first.

The next thing I knew, I was in Devon’s bathroom, the shower running hot and steam filling the air. I managed to wash quickly, the water reviving me just enough to pull on the silk pajamas someone had laid out–probably Emma–before collapsing onto Devon’s massive bed.

I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

I woke disoriented, unsure how long I’d been sleeping. The room was dim, lit only by a small bedside lamp. As my vision cleared, I saw Devon sitting in an armchair near the bed, reading something on his tablet.

‘My injury’s healed,” I said, my voice raspy from sleep. “I should move back to the guest room.”

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