Mia shed a slightly awkward yet polite smile. “Compared to your aplishments, Jeremy, mine


    seem insignificant.”


    Ramona couldn’t resist interjecting, “Even if Mia snagged the first prize, what’s the big deal? I heard


    she


    ditched college for some guy, so now she probably only has a high school diploma.


    “What reputablepany would hire someone with just a high school education?”


    Jolene chimed in, “Exactly. These days, having a solid education is crucial for securing job


    opportunities.”


    Ramona adopted a seemingly caring tone as she spoke, “Mia, I genuinely feel sorry for you. You had


    such good grades back then, even securing a spot in a top–tier university.


    “But it’s such a shame that you dropped out for a guy. If only you had a degree from a prestigious


    university now, along with this award, finding a good job would be a breeze.”


    “Who said Mia only has a high school diploma?”


    Just then, Gina barged through the door and confronted Ramona directly.


    “Mia has been diligently preparing for her resit examinations on campus. Once she passes her exams


    and gets her thesis approved, she’ll sessfully obtain her graduation certificate.”


    “That’s impossible! Mia dropped out years ago. How can she suddenly decide to return to university


    like


    this?”


    “Just because you can’t achieve something doesn’t mean others can’t. As I mentioned, Mia is back in


    college, preparing for her exams.


    “Soon, she’ll graduate from Halvard University, a top–tier institution, unlike someone who holds only an


    associate degree and still has the audacity to belittle others.”


    Ramona instantly became defensive. “Gina, who are you referring to as an associate degree holder?


    I’ve been studying abroad for quite some time now. It’s at a prestigious university in Nord City, a ce


    most people can only dream of.”


    Jolene joined in with a boast, “Exactly! Ramona is currently studying abroad as an international


    student. Mia can’t evenpare to that.”


    Gina smirked. “That must have been quite expensive, huh?”


    Ramona’s demeanor tensed. “My family is well–off. Are you feeling envious or something?”


    Mia immediately tugged at Gina’s sleeve, shaking her head subtly. “Let it be, there’s no need to argue


    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    about this.”


    “Mia, I’m just trying to defend you here. Given that you haven’t attended any ss reunions in the past


    few years, you might not be aware of the rumors and gossip circting about you.


    “Now is the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.”


    Visibly agitated, Ramona eximed, “Mia, I heard you dropped out of college for a guy back then. Our


    ss teacher thought it was such a pity. Are you still with him?”


    Mia paused before responding, “No, we’re no longer together.”


    “Doesn’t that mean you’re divorced now? Unfortunately, second marriages can be quite difficult these


    days. Perhaps I should help you find someone,” Ramona quipped.


    Mia responded with a wry smile. “That won’t be necessary. We aren’t close enough for that.”


    Jolene sarcastically chimed in, “Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Ramona knows some eligible guys.


    If


    you pass this up, you might regret it.”


    Unable to hold back, Gina interjected, “Mia isn’t concerned about these matters. She’s financially


    secure


    and enjoys her life independently.”


    After all, as the heiress of the Lane family, did Mia need to depend on any man?


    Ramona burst intoughter, covering her mouth. “Well, I half–expected you to say that Mia is now living


    the high life with some wealthy older man.


    “But let’s be real, that’s not a sustainable n–Ah! Why did you ssh water on me?”


    Casually setting down her cup, Mia retorted, “Your breath stinks, so I figured I’d help you freshen up.”


    Furious, Ramona rose from her seat. “Mia, do you realize this outfit is designer? Can you even afford to


    Gina interjected with a cold snort. “Who told you to spread baseless rumors? Getting sshed is just


    what you deserve, isn’t it?”


    “Where did I spread baseless rumors? Just moments ago, I saw an older man driving a luxury car,


    dropping her off, and even handing her a designer bag–the very one she’s holding right now. “Besides,


    everyone knows Mia is an orphan! Where did she get so much money to buy a designer bag?”