Chapter 375: Maya Murmured under Her Breath

"This Avery... she's interesting," Maya murmured under her breath.

Clara arched an eyebrow.

"The freshman group chat won't stop talking about her." Maya pulled out her phone. "Six SCI papers. Admitted as a special exception—the prodigy."

Reid suddenly leaned in. "Well, if it isn't the illustrious Professor Caldwell!" He gave an exaggerated bow, his tone dripping with mockery.

Maya rolled her eyes. "This guy never shuts up in the group chat. Always making snide remarks."

Professor Voss cleared her throat. "What are you all standing around for? Greet your professor properly."

Avery crossed her arms, not even bothering to look up.

Sloane offered a gentle curtsy. "Good afternoon, Professor."

Victoria shrank into the back, twisting the hem of her shirt between her fingers. The memory of those expensive tonics she'd sent made her cheeks burn.

Zach suddenly lunged forward, seizing Professor Caldwell's hand. "Professor! I'm Zach Nolan!" His words tumbled out in an excited rush. "I've read every single one of your papers!"

The nearly six-foot-tall boy wore a faded T-shirt and sandals with frayed edges. His sun-darkened face flushed crimson, like a child meeting their idol.

Reid yanked him back. "Country bumpkin! You're embarrassing yourself!"

But Zach just kept grinning, oblivious to the insult.

Professor Voss's face turned ashen. She forced a smile. "Professor Caldwell, won't you introduce your students?"

"Unnecessary," Miriam replied coldly.

Reid immediately jumped in. "Or is it because you have no students worth introducing?"

Maya trembled with anger. "You—"

"Who let you out looking like that?" Reid raked his eyes over her with malicious glee. "Fat pig."

Clara stepped in front of Maya, shielding her. "Professor Voss, your students are truly... remarkable." Her laugh was icy. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."