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    David was used to having top students, just as he was convinced that his team could secure the grand prize at majorpetitions with ease.

    He already felt thoroughly disgraced by the previous incident. However, he had been bottling up his frustration, determined to restore his reputation. Little did

    he know…

    His team not only lost that Grand Prize, but it also lost its first–ce ranking now.

    It was well–known that Aiden Brown had always been David’s most outstanding student within this team. He would never tolerate any slip–ups from Aiden. Yet

    now…

    David was utterly disappointed.

    Aiden took a deep breath before replying, “Sir, I… I don’t know. I… honestly don’t know!”

    Aiden had not cked off all this time. If there was any difference from previous years, it was probably…

    No, that wasn’t possible. That matter was so insignificant that he did not believe it could be the reason.

    David gave a scornful snort. “Fourth–ce! I am bitterly disappointed in you!”

    That scathing remark made Aiden turn as white as a sheet, and his legs almost buckled under him.

    Aiden was exceptionally gifted from a young age and had never disappointed anyone. After entering university, he truly found his element and had always been a source of pride for his mentors.

    To his dismay, his mentor now said he was “bitterly disappointed.”

    Aiden simply couldn’t swallow this!

    Natalie Kinberg saw that Aiden seemed to be on the verge of copsing. “Sir!” She protested with heartache as she reached out to steady Aiden.

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    “Aiden has always ced first in his studies and has never lost anypetitions. Since I joined the team, I have seen how dedicated he is. He is always thest to leave after our study sessions.

    “Furthermore, he has alwayspleted every task assigned to him with the utmost diligence, and he knows all the materials by heart. Under such

    circumstances, it is impossible for him to lose to anyone… unless someone cheated.

    “I have investigated. This time, the top student in the cohort is Colby Clem. His academic performance in the past was not good. His ranking was always outside the top ten.

    “It’s already the final semester now. What I don’t understand is how he managed to catch up so quickly?”

    Everyone became silent after listening to Natalie. They simply stared glumly at their own grades.

    Other than Gavin Norwood and Vincent Oldham, the rest of the team did not perform up to David’s expectations.

    In particr, Jaden Monroe’s result was simply aplete disaster and could only be considered a borderline pass.

    David furrowed his brows. “You do have a point. I myself have never heard of Colby Clem, nor do I know who his mentor is. It is indeed surprising that he suddenly ced first.”

    Upon hearing this, Aiden’s expression finally rxed slightly. He sneaked a grateful nce at Natalie.

    Just as he was about to express his gratitude, David rebuked again, “The alleged cheating is only spection. We still don’t know the facts. Even if he has cheated, does that mean the other two have also cheated?

    “The fact remains that your grades have dropped. Do not make excuses for yourself. Aiden, reflect on yourself. I will not tolerate such an uneptable result a second time.

    “Otherwise, I will have no choice but to find a recement to head the research

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    project that has justmenced.”

    “Sir…” Aiden was aghast at David’s veiled threat. All this while, his mentor had never spoken harshly to him. Yet, for just a single mistake this time, he received such an ultimatum.

    Not only did David not offer a single word offort, but he also threatened to rece Aiden. This made Aiden wonder whether this was the mentor he used to regard with the highest respect…

    “Enough! I do not wish to hear any more excuses.” David gestured with his hand impatiently.

    “I shall not mention names, but there are certain individuals who should know where they stand. Of course, not all the results are deplorable. Natalie, in particr, performed quite well in this examination.

    “She obtained the second–highest grade in her year right after joining the team. Given time, I am confident she will achieve even better results. These individuals

    should learn from her.”

    With that, David gave another dismissive snort before storming off.

    The students left behind exchanged nces, but no one spoke for a while.