She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 729

Jethro found Hallie's reaction bizarre, but his ego was bruised, and he was absolutely refusing to back down today. He looked at Hallie and offered a deal. "Aren't you stressed about getting fired if you fail your teaching assessment? Have security drag this woman out of here, and I'll personally guarantee your assessment passes. A Tier-S student mentoring a Tier-D class? I can do it in my sleep."

Hallie's current situation was precarious. She had only managed to secure a teaching invite to the Royal Art Academy because of her father, Heath, calling in massive favors. But it wasn't a free ride—she had to produce legitimate results this semester, or she'd be kicked out.

Fear and desperate ambition violently clashed in her mind. *Maybe... maybe Loyce is just a normal tourist here?*

*Maybe Dean Dennis was just being polite to her back then? Sure, she was brilliant at math, but this is music! There's no way she's a prodigy at everything! Plus, we're in Engloria. This is my territory!*

The humiliating memories of her past defeats warred with the terrifying reality of losing her career. In the end, ambition choked out her fear.

Hallie took a sharp breath, forcing her posture rigid. Plastering on a mask of strict, professional authority, she purposely avoided looking directly into Loyce's eyes. Her voice was tight but painfully loud. "Miss, regardless of who you are, shouting matches and harassing our students and guests in a public space is strictly prohibited. Jethro is a prime representative of our academy's excellence, and his professional analysis deserves respect. I am asking you to leave immediately. If you refuse, I will call campus security to remove you."

She had made her choice. By siding with Jethro and hiding behind campus rules, she thought she could assert dominance and erase the shadow Loyce cast over her.

Hearing this, a triumphant smirk spread across Jethro's face. He shot Loyce a mocking glare while his lackeys puffed out their chests.

The tourists and bystanders exchanged uneasy glances. It was obvious Hallie was heavily biased, but no one wanted to risk their own necks to defend a stranger. They looked at Loyce with a mix of pity and concern.

It looked like the girl was really going to take the fall for this.

The subtle, icy smile on Loyce's lips deepened, but her eyes were dead.

"How on earth did Heath manage to raise such an absolute idiot?" she said softly. "I suppose the theory of two positives making a negative applies to genetics too."

Hallie nearly choked on her own breath with rage. She whipped out her phone and dialed security. "Guards! Get over here right now! We have an intruder causing a massive disturbance!"

Loyce let out a quiet laugh. "Don't bother. I'll walk myself out."

Without a second glance, Loyce casually slipped out of the crowd and strolled toward the campus gates. As she walked, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Dennis, let's just grab fondue in the commercial district tonight. I'll meet you straight at the restaurant."

...

Loyce had barely finished ordering the broth at the fondue restaurant when Dennis arrived. The elderly man was moving at a near-sprint. The moment he saw her, he pulled her into a massive bear hug. "Look at you! It's been way too long, and you're even prettier than before! I am so jealous of my old friend for having a granddaughter like you. It's infuriating!"

Loyce patted his back gently, returning his warm greeting. She slid the paper bag across the table. "A new batch of bespoke wellness blends. I refined the formula, so the medicinal properties are much stronger now. But don't drink too much at once, Dennis. Over-supplementing can backfire."

"I know, I know! You're the best." Dennis happily clutched the bag to his chest. "So, you were looking at my score on the board this afternoon? Next time, I'll just have it hand-delivered to your estate. You can study it in peace. No need to fight with those brats."

"Speaking of which," Loyce reached into her bag, pulled out a sheet of paper, and slid it over to him. "I already mapped out the baseline restoration. It honestly wasn't that complicated."

Compared to the ancient, fragmented scores she usually reconstructed, this piece had distinct, easily identifiable era markers. It was light work for her.

Dennis didn't even study the notes. He immediately pulled out his phone, snapped a photo of it, and grinned. "I'm sending this straight to the faculty chat. You know me—I'm a painter at heart. I don't have the ear for this kind of historical reconstruction."