The students erupted in disbelief, staring at the middle-aged woman spouting such backward views.


    ‘What era is this? How could anyone still say something so brainless?’ they thought. ‘Did we identally wander onto a Hollywood set or something?’


    Elmore spotted a crowd gathered in the distance and hurried over, thinking students might be quarreling. When he saw Aria in a standoff, he positioned himself beside her and asked, “What’s going on here?”


    Elena pointed at the two of them and screeched, “How dare you me my son for cheating. First, you hooked up with Ondo, now you’re with this man too-you little tramp-


    Before she could finish, Aria’s hand shot out,nding a sharp p across Elena’s face and cutting her off mid-sentence.


    Elena let out a shrill scream and tumbled to the ground once more, utterly humiliated.


    The entire crowd fell silent.


    The woman’s words were utterly disgusting. The students felt a deep sense of vindication.


    “Forget whether Elmore and Aria ever had anything to do with each other-even if they did, Aria was divorced now. What business is it of the Cole family’s anyway?’ the students thought collectively.


    They had never seen anyone so utterly outrageous in their lives.


    Elmore, who was standing closest, was stunned. He knew Aria was formidable, and since she was now a teacher, he had thought she would hold back her temper.


    ‘Not exactly great for her reputation,’ he thought, ‘but damn, it’s satisfying.’


    “Aria?” Liam’s furious roar cut through the crowd.


    He stormed over and helped his mother up, eyes zing as he demanded, “Why did you hit my mom?”


    The very first thing Ondo did after seizing power was to strip Liam of his heir status.


    Now desperate for cash, Liam hade to Mandino University to discuss withdrawing investments, only to walk in on Aria pping his mother.


    Aria spat out, “Your mom’s foul-mouthed.”


    Having spent a few months at Mandino University, Elmore was well aware of the situation between Aria and Ondo.


    Elmore exined calmly, “Mr. Cole, your mother started this by hurling insults and spreading rumors. Ms. Saxon is young and hot-blooded-it’s only natural she acted on impulse.”


    “My mother is your elder,” Liam spat through gritted teeth, ring at Aria. “Even if there’s been a misunderstanding, you can’t justy a hand on her, Aria, apologize to my mother now.”


    Still clutching her face, Elena wailed, “I don’t want an apology. I want her locked up.”


    Aria curled her lips in disdain. “The Cole family-disgusting through and through.”


    As Aria turned to leave, Liam barked, “Aria, if you don’t apologize right now, I’m calling the police.”


    With so many students watching, if he just let her walk away and did nothing while his mother was humiliated, he’d be theughingstock of the whole campus.


    “Be my guest,” Aria said, walking away without so much as a backward nce.


    Elmore cast a dismissive nce at Elena and Liam before following her.


    The onlooking students deliberately jeered loudly, their voices dripping with sarcasm.


    “First, the old man has a love child, then the son cheats, and now the mom’s gone off the rails, picking fights with everyone. The whole Cole family is disgusting-how shameless can they get?”


    “Good thing Ms. Saxon divorced early and got out rtively unscathed.”


    “Serves them right for having theirpany stolen by the bastard son.”


    Liam shot them a venomous re.


    Not a single student backed down-instead, some even met his gaze with tant defiance.


    He was seething with impotent rage, his face turning livid with anger.


    Elena grabbed his arm, sobbing, “Call the police. Right now.”


    “I’m calling them now,” Liam said, pulling out his phone, his fingers shaking uncontrobly. ‘Aria, you forced me into this,’ he seethed inwardly.


    The campus forum was blowing up.


    [Shocking. Liam’s mom showed up at school, causing trouble and insulting Ms. Saxon.]


    [That old hag was spewing filth-made me want to puke.]


    [No wonder theirpany got taken over. That’s punishment.]


    [So grossed out by what Liam’s mom said. Why were you all just filming instead of helping?]


    [Does Ms. Saxon even need help? She knocked her t with one p.]


    [The police called Ms. Saxon in, and Mr. Gardner went with her.]


    [Seriously? They actually called the cops? How utterly shameless.]