Page 333 of A University of Betrayal

“What’s going on here?” I heard some guests whisper.

“Who’s that?”

I looked around for someone who might be holding a microphone but didn’t spot anyone.

“A dangerous plague is infecting Vanderwood University,” the creepy deep voice continued over the loudspeakers, and people’s eyes widened. “Caused by someone who thinks she owns this place. Someone who thinks she can make rules, demand discipline... and take away our freedom.”

Something threatening resonated in the strange voice.

A murmur went through the crowd, accompanied by nervous whispering.

I looked back at Harlow because she was the only person who matched this description.

The woman was standing next to Gloria, her forehead reddened like never before and her composure visibly slipping away.

“You’re probably wondering who you have the pleasure of meeting. Well...” The voice paused for a moment. “I’mThe Eye.”The whispering among the ball guests returned. “And I will rid this university of RebeccafuckingHarlow!”

The hideous beeping sounded, then a cracking sound and the voice disappeared.

And a second later, tumult broke out.

Loud whispers spread across the hall and the Bexleys, along with their team of reporters, rushed toward Harlow.

“Director Harlow!” began Jenny’s mother, Harriet, holding out the microphone to Rebecca. “What is the meaning of this announcement?”

I watched as Rebecca tried to regain her composure.

“Director, Harlow! Who’s The Eye?” another reporter asked.

That was the moment Rebecca slapped the microphone away from him and stormed through the crowd toward the side exits.

At the orchestra next to the stage, she stopped for a second and ripped one of the microphones out of its holder.

“Everyone, please calm down!” she said with a huff, and the beeping of the speakers sounded again, causing some people to cover their ears. “There’s nothing to worry about!” She tapped the microphone until the beeping disappeared. “This is a ridiculous prank, nothing more. So enjoy the evening and...”

The sound of the microphone disappeared.

Rebecca threw the microphone into the hands of an overwhelmed waitress, clenched her hands into fists, and finally hurried through one of the exits into the West Wing, followed by Harriet, who waved for the team of reporters to follow her.

Alarik Copeland gestured for the orchestra to play, and the Alpha appeared at his side. His gaze was questioning, as if Alarik had allowed this prank to be played, but the young director also looked surprised and shook his head. Then he too disappeared through one of the side exits.

I looked up at the loudspeakers in bewilderment.

Had that just been ahacker attack?

If so, then this person should get out of the university’s IT control rooms as quickly as possible, because Rebecca would go there first. The woman – unfortunately – wasn’t stupid.

When the orchestra started playing again, the guests calmed down and fell into normal conversation. A few even returned to the dance floor.

My gaze slid to Gloria, who had paid no attention to the prank. Because her cold gaze was still on me.

And the moment my eyes met hers, I was in danger of falling back into my old identity.

Thanks to coincidence, something pulled me out of my stupor. Or rather, someone did.

This someone grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor without warning.

Chapter 58

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