Chapter 2

The moment those words left my mouth, Ms. Peyton's expression changed instantly.

She never expected that I -- usually introverted and timid -- would actually call the police in front of so many people.

She lunged at me, reaching for my phone. I stepped back, and she nearly fell to the ground.

"Jenna, what are you doing? It's such a small matter. Is it really worth calling the police?"

"What witness? I just heard it from someone else. I can't testify for you!"

I froze, staring at her intently. "A small matter? Spreading sexual rumors about me and accusing me of cheating -- that's a small matter?"

"You knew the Ivy League admissions officers were coming to my house today. Why would you say something like that?"

Ms. Peyton looked as if I'd exposed her, her face turning ugly.

But the next second, she laughed dramatically, accusing me of being too sensitive.

"I didn't know the Ivy League admissions team was coming to your house today. I didn't mean to bring up your... impropriety."

"I'm just worried that if you got into an Ivy League school through these means, you won't be able to handle the academics there. Your teacher is just looking out for you!"

"After all, you're a girl who became the top science student in the state. Who knows what underhanded methods you used?"

She cleared her throat and suddenly raised her voice.

Everyone's attention was drawn back to her, even my mom looked at me with suspicion.

"Dear admissions officers, I know this child, Jenna. When she first enrolled, she was at the bottom of the class. Then she transferred to the science class -- which was full of male teachers -- and suddenly her grades shot up."

"Don't you think that's strange? And I've caught her going in and out of hotels with male teachers multiple times. As her teacher, it's hard for me not to think in that direction!"

In my past life, Ms. Peyton said exactly this, making the admissions officers deeply disappointed in me.

She relied on her position as my high school teacher, knowing no one would question a teacher's character.

She made everyone believe her lies, and no one wanted to hear my explanation.

Not only did the Ivy League schools reject my file, preventing me from attending any college.

Even my parents were implicated and ridiculed by relatives and friends.

Three years of hard work were destroyed. They disowned me. I couldn't defend myself. In the end, I died from depression.

When I opened my eyes again and returned to this day, there was no way I'd let her play her tricks and ruin my college dreams again!

"A hotel?" My mom looked at me in disbelief, her lips trembling slightly.

"That's right, Jenna's mom. You didn't know, did you? Jenna is a regular at the hotel by the school gate. The first time I saw it, I couldn't believe she was that kind of person!"

After saying this, Ms. Peyton quickly covered her mouth, pretending it was an accidental slip.

"Wait, no, no. Oh my! Why did I say that out loud? Just pretend I was talking nonsense. Don't overthink it!"

"I came here today to celebrate Jenna getting a perfect SAT score and bringing honor to our school, even though her methods were a bit... unclean..."

All the admissions officers exchanged glances and began discussing among themselves.

"I can't believe she's that kind of person. Our school can't admit someone like this..."

Even my mom didn't trust me, frowning as she questioned me: "Jenna, is what Ms. Peyton said true?"

"Did you really go to that kind of place? Tell me. How many times did you go?"

A trace of delight flashed in Ms. Peyton's eyes, but I showed no sign of panic.

"Ms. Peyton, are you sure you saw me? Then I must have been drugged unconscious, because I don't remember it at all!"

"When the police arrive, you must clearly state the time and location so they can catch the person who assaulted me as soon as possible!"