Chapter 213: 213: SHU Evaluation Day (Part 10)
Don sighed at Miss Claire's question, running a hand through his hair. "It was obvious that wasn't going to be a winning situation for me," he said. "The Dean was clearly playing favorites, and Mrs. Dugarte wasn't going to let me off for whatever reason. But it's also clear that neither of them really knows what happened. So this situation isn't over yet."
Miss Claire raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And what do you mean by that?"
Don didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled out his phone, quickly typing something into the search bar. **Don vs. Starboy**.
Several results popped up instantly, with videos, comments, and clips of the faceoff spreading across the web like wildfire.
Don scrolled through the results until he found a video with clear footage and a good angle of the entire confrontation. He held out the phone to Miss Claire.
"What's this?" she asked, taking the phone from him.
"Just watch," Don replied.
Miss Claire glanced down at the phone, her eyes scanning the screen as the video began to play, showing the events of the fight between Don and Starboy in sharp detail.
As the video came to an end, Miss Claire's sharp eyes lingered on the screen for just a moment longer before a small but visible smile curled at the corners of her lips. "Well, aren't you just full of surprises," she muttered, handing the phone back to Don with an air of approval.
Don accepted the phone with a casual nod, and Miss Claire added, "Since this is the case, you're right. I can't imagine the board will be pleased to hear they've lost someone who easily beat their all so precious star."
She sighed, her tone turning darker. "I only wish you'd told me sooner. I would have loved to see that woman's face fall into utter despair... and ensure that egotistical sun of hers never so much as raises his head in your presence again."
Her words were full of bitterness, and Don raised an eyebrow at her tone. "Did you know her before this?" he asked, curious.
Miss Claire gave a slight nod, a rare frown touching her otherwise composed features. "Yes, I had the unfortunate pleasure of being her senior at university." She paused, recalling something unpleasant. "Her personality has only gotten more rotten with time, I see. But I digress."
She shifted her attention back to Don, her voice softening slightly. "Tell me, dear, why did you choose to hide your strength?"
Don had expected this question. Even if the encounter with Starboy hadn't happened, he knew that once his evaluation came to light, Miss Claire would have questioned him. He'd prepared his answer, but he acted as though he was speaking naturally, looking thoughtful for a moment before replying, "Well..."
He leaned back slightly, as if considering his words. "For one, I didn't awaken the full scope of my powers until a few days ago. My initial plan was to keep it a secret until evaluation day to surprise my family. But I also wanted to experience the dynamic of the school as a normal student. I knew I'd be treated differently once I showed a high evaluation."
Miss Claire's expression shifted to one of mild disappointment. "I wouldn't have expected that from you," she said, her voice showing a hint of surprise. "I assumed you'd plan to maximize the gain in reputation by stealing the show at the evaluation. That would ensure many sponsors come knocking with lucrative deals."
Don shook his head, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I'm not interested in money."
Miss Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Then what are you interested in?" she asked.
Don's smile widened slightly as he replied, "I'll tell you once we get better acquainted."
Miss Claire smirked. "Cheeky… but smart." She then stood, adjusting her coat with a smooth motion. "Why don't you and I go have a late breakfast together? We can discuss your future. I'm sure you realize it won't be the same after today."
She glanced at him meaningfully before adding, "We can also use the time to get better acquainted, as you suggested. After all, I have no doubt my role in your life will increase in the coming days, as will your value to my firm."
Don thought for a moment, his gaze shifting to the door. 'I was expecting her to be more surprised by the video... maybe even show a bit more eagerness towards me. But I guess that's just a pipe dream. She's too professional and collected. How the hell am I supposed to seduce her?' He sighed inwardly.
'Still, this is a start.'
He gave a nod on the surface. "Sounds like a good idea."
Miss Claire's smile deepened, and she said nothing more.
---
Meanwhile, back in Dean Sanchez's office, Starboy now occupied the chair that Don had vacated. He sat with an air of forced indifference, arms crossed, listening half-heartedly as his mother and the Dean discussed the situation.
Suddenly, the Dean's personal phone vibrated in his pocket. The Dean glanced at the screen, his expression shifting slightly when he saw the caller ID. His jaw tightened.
"Hmm," Dean Sanchez muttered. "It must be important. Please excuse me."
He pulled out his phone and stood, walking a few steps away from his desk as he answered the call. "Hello, Chairman."
There was a pause, and his expression became slightly confused. "Oh, uh… the boy?" The Dean glanced briefly toward the Starboy, who now began talking with his mother. "Starboy is right here."
Another pause.
"Oh? Don Bright? The other kid?" The Dean's voice wavered slightly, unsure of the direction the conversation was going. "Don't worry about him, Chairman. I've already sorted the matter. He said he'd pay for the damages and even took the initiative to withdraw from the institution—"
Suddenly, the muffled sound of shouting came through the phone's speaker. The Dean's face stiffened, his eyes widening as he listened. "Chairman, aren't you mistaken?" he stammered. "No, Chairman, I was unaware... yes, Chairman. I'll do that right away."
The call ended abruptly, leaving the Dean standing there, stunned.
"Dean? Is something the matt—" Before Mrs. Dugarte could finish her sentence, the Dean's eyes widened and without a word, he excused himself, before rushing toward the door.
He barreled through the hallway, his heavy footsteps **thudding** against the floor despite his chubby frame, his breath coming in short bursts. 'Damn it,' he thought. 'I've really done it now.'