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Novel Catalog
Chapter 27: The Evidence
The round-faced girl’s eyes practically sparkled with excitement as she recognized Ainsley for who she truly was. Her voice trembled with admiration as she repeated, “Ms. Easton! You’re really the legendary student!”
Ainsley couldn’t help but smile, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “It’s me,” she said, her tone light but carrying a sense of pride. “I didn’t expect that the professors would wait for me to come back and graduate.”
Her words sparked a ripple of surprise and intrigue throughout the crowd. Especially among the students of the Psychology Department, who were now eagerly whispering to each other.
The legend of Ainsley Easton was well-known in the department. She wasn’t just a straight-A student—she was a genius in every sense of the word, both academically and practically. Her accomplishments were legendary. Not only had she excelled in her studies, but she had also demonstrated extraordinary skill and talent when it came to working with real-life cases. It was said that she’d worked with the police and helped solve multiple complex psychological cases. Her thesis, which had been hailed as a masterpiece, was one of the highlights of her academic career.
When Ainsley had decided to leave the school due to personal reasons, the entire faculty had been heartbroken. But instead of following the usual procedures, all the professors—including the dean—had petitioned for her to be given time off. No set time limit was placed on her break, and they all made it clear that they would wait for her return. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about her ability and potential.
Ainsley glanced around, watching the students’ reactions, and felt a warm sense of nostalgia. She’d never anticipated such a warm welcome after all these years. It was a stark contrast to the cold reception she’d gotten from the Baldry family, and it reminded her of the love and respect she had once felt within these walls.
The whispers grew louder, and more students began to speak up.
“So, it’s her! My goodness! I read her thesis—such a masterpiece!”
“If Ms. Easton is the legendary student, she’s qualified to be a professional psychologist, let alone just a university psychology teacher. Her talent and experience are unmatched. I’ve heard she’s even worked with the police on criminal cases.”
“Wow, I’ve always admired her from afar. Since the professors showed us her paper, I’ve been hoping to meet her in person. I had no idea it was Ms. Easton…”
The admiration in the room was palpable, and Ainsley’s heart swelled with gratitude. She hadn’t expected to receive such recognition, but it was reassuring to see the truth coming to light.
However, in the midst of the growing praise, Kaitlin’s face darkened. Her earlier confidence had vanished, replaced by an undeniable anger. She glared at the round-faced girl with such intensity that it was almost tangible.
“Do you really think she’s the legendary student? You’re blind,” Kaitlin spat, her voice dripping with disdain. “You have no evidence. You’re just helping Ainsley pass for someone she’s not.”
Kaitlin couldn’t fathom that Ainsley, someone she had always dismissed, could truly be the talented individual that everyone now admired. She didn’t believe for a second that Ainsley was the legendary student. If she had truly been that intelligent, Kaitlin thought, she wouldn’t have spent years compliant with the Baldry family’s demands. There was no way someone like Ainsley could be a legend.
The round-faced girl flushed with indignation, her cheeks reddening as she stood her ground. “Nonsense! I’m not lying. Ms. Easton is the legendary student!”
Kaitlin’s eyes narrowed, her skepticism still thick. “Really?” she sneered. “Show me the evidence.”
Ainsley didn’t speak. She simply glanced at Kaitlin, the faintest flicker of a smile on her lips. She could easily prove it, but she didn’t feel the need to involve the professors in something so petty. Let Kaitlin stew in her doubt.
But Kaitlin wasn’t done yet. She continued, her voice laced with a mocking tone. “What’s the matter, Ainsley? Can’t prove it? You’re just an impostor trying to bluff your way through.”
Ainsley’s gaze remained steady, but just as Kaitlin finished speaking, a dignified and commanding voice cut through the tension.
“Who says she can’t prove it?”
The crowd parted, and all eyes turned as a middle-aged man with sharp features and an air of authority stepped forward. His presence was enough to make the students fall silent.
“Mr. Miller!” someone gasped from the crowd.
Ainsley’s heart skipped a beat. Standing before her was Jack Miller, the deputy dean of the Psychology Department. His reputation was legendary among the students. His charisma, intellect, and personal integrity made him a figure of great respect.
Jack Miller’s eyes softened as he looked at Ainsley. “You’re finally back,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and satisfaction. “It’s been a long time.”
“Mr. Miller,” Ainsley replied softly, a trace of nostalgia in her voice. She couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion wash over her as she looked at the teacher who had once mentored her.
The memories of her time at the university came flooding back—those days when she had been filled with ambition and excitement. It was a stark contrast to the years she had spent under the Baldry family’s thumb, suffocated by a marriage that had drained her spirit.
Jack Miller turned his attention to the students, his gaze firm and assured. “There’s no question about it,” he said, his voice carrying authority. “Ainsley Easton is the legendary student of this department. I’ve been waiting for her return for years.”
The students looked at each other in awe, their disbelief melting away as Mr. Miller spoke. There was no denying it now. The evidence was right in front of them—Ainsley was the woman they had all heard stories about. The legendary student was not just a rumor; she was standing right in front of them.
Kaitlin’s expression faltered. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. She had expected Ainsley to crumble under the pressure, but instead, the truth had come crashing down with the force of an undeniable revelation.
Ainsley turned to face Kaitlin, her expression calm but resolute. “Now that you’ve heard the truth, I suggest you stop doubting me. Your attempt to discredit me has failed.”
Kaitlin’s cheeks burned with embarrassment as she stumbled back, the last remnants of her arrogance vanishing in an instant. She had nothing left to say.
The students, once divided, now looked at Ainsley with newfound respect. Whispers of admiration filled the room as the realization settled in. Ainsley Easton wasn’t just a beautiful teacher—she was a force to be reckoned with.
As the crowd slowly began to disperse, Ainsley exchanged a quiet glance with Serina. The support from her friends and mentors was all she needed. Everything else—every insult, every doubter—no longer mattered.
For the first time in a long while, Ainsley felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be.
