I had been familiar with this year's Finance freshmen for a week, recognizing everyone, but I never thought I'd become the target of such aggression. Having served as the student council president for three years and being a top candidate for grad school here, I was on good terms with the faculty.
Professor cleared her throat as she hurriedly stepped in to mediate. "Rebecca, sit down. Personal grudges should be settled later. We can't let this disrupt the school's proceedings."
Rebecca wasn't having any of it. She scanned the plain-looking teachers around her and sneered. "If I don't expose her true nature now, I'll miss my chance to gain attention. Is there no justice? Is it really that hard for victims like us to get our rights?
"Why should a homewrecker be protected just because of her academic record and connections as student council president? Homewreckers should be condemned and left to rot in the sunlight!"
Her passionate speech stirred up a frenzy among the students. The room buzzed with gossip and speculation.
"Oh my God, I used to like Amelia. I can't believe she's this kind of person."
"Seriously. No wonder she was so pretty and has good academic record. Must be that her character is really shady. She's probably been seducing for a while."
"I'm betting Amelia really did go after Rebecca's boyfriend. Otherwise, why would Rebecca explode like this? It's a total fish-or-cut-bait situation. I really feel for Rebecca."
As the situation spiraled out of control, threatening to become headline news, the director, Dean Clarke, unable to save face any longer, pushed past me and grabbed the microphone. His voice boomed across the hall.
"Everyone, shut it!"
The room fell silent instantly.
Rebecca shouted, "Mr. Clarke, why are you defending her? Don't tell me she seduced you too?"
The 60-something Dean's blood pressure skyrocketed. He gripped the railing, steadying himself.
The faculty looked grim. My best friend backstage was frantic but helpless to intervene.
Rebecca's words had worked their magic on the crowd. They were now convinced I was a femme fatale who'd not only seduced Rebecca's boyfriend but also professors and the director to climb the ladder.
I stood up slowly, my face ashen. "Let's be rational. Do you have any proof I seduced your boyfriend? And who exactly is he?"
Rebecca scoffed, then turned on her phone to livestream, her face a mask of misery.