The Coma Prince’s Fiancée novel Chapter 163

The smug satisfaction on Paulina's face silently cracked.

“Quiet down, everyone!” a teacher's voice echoed through a megaphone from the second-floor balcony.

The hall fell completely silent.

“As you all know, our judging panel for this exam is formidable. In addition to President Lane and The Dean, we have the five homeroom teachers from Classes A through F, as well as three Honorary Professors from Vantage Point University. I expect you all to bring your absolute best.”

A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. Catching Wade's eye was a pipe dream, but earning the favor of an Honorary Professor felt within reach. Every Honorary Professor was a leading figure in their field. Just having one present was a huge deal, but the university had managed to invite three at once. If they performed well and secured a mentorship, their futures would be set. Everyone was suddenly geared up and ready to fight for their lives.

At the mention of the Honorary Professors, Paulina's eyes gleamed. They weren't just figureheads. If she could win their approval, she could utterly crush Rebecca's rising status.

Soon, the first batch of candidates marched upstairs, overflowing with confidence. Half an hour later, they stumbled back down, looking completely defeated.

The students waiting in the hall felt their stomachs drop.

“Why do they look like that? Is the practical exam that brutal?”

“Who knows? With all the heavyweights judging, it's definitely not going to be easy.”

“God, I think I just forgot my entire presentation. I need to review my notes!”

“Me too. I need to memorize my design concepts again before I blank out.”

Watching everyone panic, Rebecca's expression didn't shift a millimeter. She kept tapping away at her game.

A notification popped up at the top of her screen. It was from Odom Blair.

[Boss, that idiot Jackson reached out to me for a favor. I turned him down flat. I'm guessing he'll try to find you next. Be ready.]

[Make sure you sweep your tracks clean. Don't let The White Group find any leverage.]

Odom replied instantly. [Don't worry. I've buried everything. He won't find a damn thing.]

Trusting his skills, Rebecca didn't reply again.

By the time she finished her match, less than an hour had passed, but the crowd in the hall had shrunk by a third. She was slightly surprised. They were cycling through the candidates much faster than she anticipated. And it looked like a total wipeout. Not a single person had walked down those stairs smiling.

“Numbers 80 through 85, please proceed to the exam room,” the teacher called out over the megaphone.

Rebecca saw Garnett stand up. Her cool eyes narrowed slightly.

The show was about to start.