Feeling his intense scrutiny, Isabella nervously said, "Sir..."

  Benjamin's eyes returned to her face, capturing her oceanic blue eyes. "You should say sorry because it was you who barged into me," he said, his tone cold yet curious.

  Isabella blinked rapidly, then bowed again. "Umm...Sorry, Sir," she stammered, offering a nervous smile. His intimidating presence unnerved her. He hummed in acknowledgment, and she quickly walked away, her pace increasing as she neared the washroom. She didn’t dare look back.

  Benjamin noticed the students around them, their murmurs growing louder. His cold stare silenced them, especially the girls, who dispersed quickly under his gaze. He had just come from the principal's office to check on the progress of the students. Despite his wealth and the prestige of his family, Benjamin valued hard work and talent, often offering opportunities to deserving students.

  He watched Isabella disappear into the washroom before heading to his car. Meanwhile, Isabella stood in front of the mirror, panting. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the encounter. She couldn’t shake the image of his chiseled features, perfect lips, and dark, piercing eyes. His imposing presence and the brief but intense moment they shared had left a mark on her memory.

  "No, you shouldn't drool over men," she scolded herself softly. She washed her face, dried it with a handkerchief from her Delight Hotel uniform, and prepared to leave. As she reached the door, she was confronted by two girls with arms folded and expressions of disdain.

  Isabella greeted them with a polite smile, "Good afternoon."

  They scowled in response. The more beautiful of the two, Gia Holmes, spoke first. "We are not here to receive your greetings, dumb head. We are here to give you a warning. Never cross my path again, or you'll regret it."

  Confused, Isabella asked, "But I didn't do anything wrong to you."

  Helen Gregory, the girl beside Gia, sneered. "Then what were you doing with Ben? We all saw you trying to seduce him."

  Isabella's eyes widened in shock. "I wasn't... I just..."

  Gia interrupted, "And this morning, you commanded me to move my leg. Who do you think you are, huh? I'm Gia Holmes, and she is Helen Gregory. You are nothing compared to us. The Grey family might be wealthy, but we didn't see you getting down from any expensive cars. That clearly proves you’re an illegitimate daughter."

  Isabella's heart pounded in her chest. "I didn't order you... I was asking you to move your leg so you wouldn’t get hurt. If not me, someone else could have stepped on you. And I am not an illegitimate daughter. John Grey is my dad."

  Helen scoffed. "According to what we know, Mr. John Grey passed away years ago and didn’t keep in touch with his family. So that means you are unwanted. Power is not for losers like you. Power remains with the wealthy, and you are subject to them."

  The girls smirked, their high heels clicking on the floor as they walked away, leaving Isabella standing there, clutching her top in a mix of fear and anger. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Her encounter with Benjamin and the subsequent confrontation had left her shaken.

 As Isabella navigated the hushed corridors of the college, the soft light filtering through the tall, stained-glass windows cast a warm, ethereal glow over the polished marble floors. Sunbeams danced across the walls, painting intricate patterns of light and shadow that seemed to follow her every step, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that felt almost otherworldly. The air was filled with the quiet murmur of conversation, the occasional sound of footsteps echoing against the walls, and the faint rustle of papers being shuffled.

  Meanwhile, Benjamin the man known as the owner of the college, moved with purpose through the bustling halls. His tall, imposing figure cut through the crowds like a ship through the ocean, drawing curious glances from students and faculty alike. His presence commanded attention, radiating an aura of authority that left no room for doubt. His dark, tailored suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and commanding stature, while his piercing gaze seemed to penetrate to the very core of those who dared to meet it.

  Exiting the building, he stepped into the embrace of the afternoon sun, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. His car, a sleek black sedan, stood waiting patiently by the curb, its polished exterior gleaming in the sunlight. The surrounding campus buzzed with activity, students hurrying to and fro, their voices blending together in a harmonious cacophony. Birds chirped in the nearby trees, adding their cheerful melody to the lively atmosphere.

  Inside, Isabella caught sight of her reflection in a nearby mirror, her cheeks flushed with exertion from her hurried journey. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue reminiscent of the ocean on a clear summer day, held a hint of determination as she squared her shoulders and prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The walls of the hallway were adorned with colorful posters and student artwork, adding a touch of vibrancy to the otherwise neutral surroundings. The soft hum of conversation filled the air, mingling with the sound of distant laughter and the occasional squeak of sneakers against the polished floor.

  As she approached the two girls blocking her path, she couldn't help but notice their immaculate appearance and air of superiority. Gia Holmes, with her flawless complexion and haughty demeanor, stood tall beside her companion, Helen Gregory, whose sharp features and piercing gaze spoke of a confidence born of privilege. The girls stood in stark contrast to the bustling energy of the hallway, their presence casting a shadow over the otherwise lively atmosphere.

  Despite the tension hanging in the air, Isabella remained composed, her smile unwavering as she greeted the girls with a polite nod. The contrast between their disdainful glares and Isabella's unwavering kindness was stark, highlighting the stark divide between them. The sound of their voices echoed off the walls, mingling with the soft hum of conversation that filled the air.

  With each word exchanged, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, the weight of their accusations hanging heavily in the air. Isabella's heart raced as she defended herself, her voice trembling with emotion as she sought to prove her innocence. The hallway seemed to close in around them, the walls pressing in as if to suffocate her with their judgment.

  But as the girls turned and walked away, their laughter echoing in the empty corridor, Isabella was left alone with her thoughts. The hallway seemed to expand, the walls receding to reveal the vast expanse of the world beyond. And though the weight of their accusations lingered, Isabella refused to let them break her spirit. With a determined step, she continued on her way, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.