Caitlin paused for a few seconds, before finally accepting the bag. “Fine, I’ll take it. You can go now.”
“Ah, thank you, Caitlin, you’re a lifesaver!” Xavi said, feeling relieved as though he’d just completed a major task. He happily ran off.
What he didn’t see, however, was that as soon as he turned away, Caitlin tossed the bag with the clothes into a nearby trash can.
Sebastian, who had happened to be watching, saw this scene and his face darkened.
She not only refused to wear the clothes he’d sent her to cover up, but she threw them straight into the trash?
It was the perfect example of someone who didn’t know how to appreciate kindness!
Caitlin returned to her seat, and not long after, the school officials took the stage to give a speech, welcoming alumni and current students to the centennial celebration.
After the opening ceremony, influential figures with high reputations in various fields were invited onto the stage. First was Dixon, an academician from the National Academy of Sciences, who received a warm round of applause. Next was the businesswoman Ximena, who was also greeted with applause.
The third to be introduced was Sebastian, representing the business elite. As soon as he stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted.
The handsome man was immediately surrounded by screams from the younger female students.
“SV! SV…”
“SV is so handsome…”
This was the charm Sebastian had maintained for years, and even now, despite his car accident and divorce, it hadn’t diminished. His reputation remained intact, and young women still couldn’t help but swoon over him.
“I can’t believe it! Caitlin, your ex-husband is here!” Wendy clapped excitedly and whispered to Caitlin.
Caitlin simply clapped indifferently, offering no comment. After all, that man had nothing to do with her anymore.
At this moment, her focus was on Ximena, the businesswoman.
Ximena, in her forties, looked exceptionally well-maintained in a dark-colored cheongsam. What caught Caitlin’s attention was the intricate embroidery of blue jacaranda flowers on the garment. Unless someone had knowledge of floral designs, they would never have recognized it.
Seeing the blue jacaranda again, especially on a person’s clothing, stirred up emotions in Caitlin. Did it carry any special meaning? Was there a connection to the man who had once given her blue jacaranda flowers?
While Caitlin was lost in these thoughts, the host called Jasmine’s name.
Jasmine, a well-known figure in the design industry who had earned international recognition, was also one of the university’s celebrated figures. She was invited onto the stage as one of the representatives of the new generation. Her classmates cheered her on enthusiastically.
For Jasmine, this was the pinnacle of glory. Being invited onto the stage meant leaving a mark in the school’s history.
When Jasmine walked up to the stage, she immediately moved closer to Sebastian. However, to her surprise, he stepped aside and moved to the other side of Dixon, an older gentleman. This move positioned the influential figures towards the center of the stage, avoiding the awkwardness of standing next to the other women.
The ceremony continued, and although Sebastian appeared uninterested and kept his gaze fixed ahead, his sharp eyes occasionally swept over the audience, briefly landing on Caitlin.
In truth, the reason Sebastian had agreed to attend this event was partly to dispel the rumors and negative press surrounding him, but also because Caitlin was there.
Caitlin, still focused on Ximena’s cheongsam, didn’t notice Sebastian’s occasional glances. But it seemed that he was getting a little smug, thinking that Caitlin must be regretting their divorce.
Sebastian couldn’t help but feel a little pleased. After all, he had let her go, and now she must be regretting it, unable to compare to the new people in his life.
However, he didn’t realize why it was so easy for him to spot her in the crowd. It was a strange thing. Even in a crowd of thousands, some people can stand out, not because they are the most obvious, but because they shine with a unique glow.
Jasmine, who had been eagerly awaiting Caitlin’s downfall, was still watching her from the stage. She believed that Caitlin must be jealous and envious of her moment in the spotlight.
Jasmine smiled to herself, believing that Caitlin must be furious at her success. It was a victory that couldn’t be bought with money, unlike what Caitlin could achieve.
As Jasmine anxiously counted down the minutes, waiting for the “effects” of her little plan to take place, something suddenly felt off.
She felt an uncomfortable sensation rising in her stomach, and before she could understand what was happening, the discomfort spread.
What was going on?
Her stomach began to hurt terribly.
Worse still, that unpleasant sensation was rapidly traveling downwards.
Jasmine’s face turned pale as she realized what was happening. Her mind raced: *No way, no way!*
She had secretly put something in Caitlin’s drink earlier. Why was it affecting *her* now?
She couldn’t understand it, but there was no time to think. She needed to wait until she got her award, and only then could she leave the stage.
She struggled to hold on, her face turning an unhealthy shade of green. She forced a smile, but it was clear to anyone who looked that she was suffering.
Finally, Ximena finished presenting her award, and it was Jasmine’s turn. The moment she saw the golden trophy being brought toward her, her heart raced with excitement.
“Come on, hurry!” she urged internally, eager to receive her well-deserved recognition.
But just as she extended her hand to receive the trophy, something horrifying happened.
A sound that no one could ignore echoed through the auditorium.
*Pffft-BOOM…*
The principal froze in place, looking at her in shock. The ceremony attendants, too, were stunned, and the entire crowd turned to stare.
Jasmine’s face turned an even darker shade of green, her smile completely frozen.
The odor was unmistakable and repulsive. Worse, her white dress had been stained.
Ximena immediately pinched her nose, backing away as quickly as possible.
The principal, despite his embarrassment, asked with concern, “Are you okay?”
“I…” Jasmine couldn’t even finish the sentence before another series of sounds erupted.
*Pffft, pffft, pffft, pffft…*
The sound was deafening, accompanied by a sense of total loss of control. The smell was unbearable, and the worst part was that it was so loud and obvious.
The entire audience fell silent.
Thousands of students and alumni were staring at Jasmine, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Even the media cameras zoomed in on her in horror.
It was the ultimate humiliation.
Jasmine had thought this would be Caitlin’s moment of disgrace, but instead, she had become the center of everyone’s attention for all the wrong reasons.
She had made an irreparable mistake, one that would haunt her forever.