The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1856

The university administrators were thrilled.

“That won't be necessary.”

Roger withdrew his gaze, the last trace of gentleness vanishing from his face. He picked up the discarded photograph from the desk and handed it to the dean, his voice low and commanding. “My purpose for this lecture was to encourage dedicated studying, not to give autographs.”

“Of course,” the dean replied.

Glancing at the trash can and hearing Roger's tone, the dean instantly understood. “I'll take this to the counselors of those two classes and give them a firm reminder.”

“This won't happen again.”

“I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you.”

“Thank you for your hard work,” Roger said with a slight nod, leading his assistant out the door.

They got into the car. Just as the engine started, Roger spotted Stella sitting at a small street stall, happily eating a flatbread.

She must have been starving, given the huge bites she was taking.

“Roger, that's Charlotte's friend,” the assistant noted softly, spotting her as well. “Should we go say hello?”

Roger’s gaze darkened. He had been considering it.

Stella had flat-out rejected him, claiming she wasn't hungry, only to turn around and immediately grab street food.

He was genuinely curious to see the panicked expression on her face if he caught her red-handed.

“Do I look that intimidating?” Roger asked, ignoring the assistant's question. His cold voice filled the car as he kept his eyes locked on Stella.

“Huh?”

The assistant was clearly caught off guard. He stammered and hesitated for a long moment before offering an awkward but polite smile. “Not at all!”

“Be honest with yourself.”

Roger finally pulled his gaze away from the window and glared at his assistant, his eyes chilling enough to freeze bone.

The smile vanished from the assistant's face. He nearly choked on his own saliva, managing a grimace that looked worse than crying as he muttered, “Just a little bit.”

He simply couldn't lie.

Hearing the truth, Roger's expression grew even more somber. A wave of irritation washed over him. “Drive.”

Elsewhere in Cabinda.

A woman in a black trench coat with long, flowing hair stood quietly in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Her makeup was striking and heavy. She narrowed her eyes at the sprawling cityscape below, her gaze swirling with complex emotions.

“Has the International Medical Alliance arrived?”

“They arrived an hour ago,” her assistant answered in a hushed tone. “I looked into it. The person competing against you for the Presidency is just a college freshman.”

“She might have some medical talent, and she stumbled upon the cause of the sleeping sickness by sheer luck, but she's nothing compared to you.”

“Is that so?”

The woman turned around, crossing her arms over her chest with a cold, mocking smirk. “Any news on Asclepius?”

“The news that Asclepius is participating in the selection is spreading like wildfire. But if she were actually alive, she would have stepped forward to clarify things by now.”

The assistant smiled, barely containing his excitement. “Don't worry. From today on, the only Asclepius in this world will be you.”

The woman lowered her eyes, a cynical smile tugging at her lips. Her tone carried a hint of feigned disappointment. “What a pity.”