Chapter 32

Walter’s cheeks turned red as he looked down at the ground, clearly embarrassed. To help him feel less awkward, I stepped closer and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Are you okay?” I asked teasingly, trying to lighten the mood.

This was Chapter 32, and it was a moment I wouldn’t forget.

“Thank you for your offer, Walter. That’s very kind of you,” I said, trying to draw his attention back to me. “But I’m okay. I’ll be fine on my own. I appreciate it, though.”

He smiled and nodded, acknowledging my response.

“I’m going to find my seat,” Walter said. “I think I sit next to you.”

“I’ll see you up there,” I told him.

He nodded and walked past me toward the stage.

Nan laughed again.

As she watched Walter walk away, she shook her head.

“That boy has it bad,” she teased.

“Nan, no he doesn’t,” I replied quickly. “Walter is just a friend.”

“You might think differently,” she said, a smirk on her face.

“So, he’s had a crush on you for a long time,” she said. “Someday, you’ll see exactly what I mean.”

I watched Walter walk away, a frown on my face. He was a handsome guy, with his shaggy brown hair and bright smile.

Walter had stylish hair and a well-built body. He always dressed nicely, and I had to admit he smelled great because of the expensive cologne he wore. However, to be honest, I didn’t feel attracted to Walter in that way.

“Ladies,” he said, breaking the silence.

The ceremony was about to begin. “Please find your seats,” one of the professors said as she walked by.

Nan hugged me tightly. “Good luck, Judy. I’ll be here cheering for you,” she said with a warm smile.

I smiled back and hugged her again.

I quickly walked to the back of the stage and sat down with the other candidates. Carol glared at me, but I pretended not to notice. My eyes naturally went to Gavin, who was sitting in the front row. I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I took in the moment.

I was surprised to see him watching me. My cheeks turned red, and I quickly looked away, feeling like I might burst into flames.

The dean got up on stage and started his speech into the microphone. The students and guests paid close attention.

The dean began the ceremony by introducing himself and explaining why we were gathered for the award ceremony. After that, he focused on us, the candidates. One by one, he called out our names and shared our majors. We stood proudly as he recognized each of us.

The students all clapped and cheered for each of us.

When my name was called, I heard Nan screaming from the back of the room. I smiled, feeling my cheeks warm with happiness. I could still sense Gavin’s eyes on me.

I took my seat and looked around. It was a lovely event. The band students played a few songs, and the chorus students performed as well. Former top students, who had won awards in past years, were there to give a speech and share their experiences.

The dean thought it would be nice to introduce Gavin. Since he was a Lycan, it was special because this was his first time attending the award ceremony. Gavin stood up and waved to everyone in the audience.

The students cheered and admired him. The girls, almost like wolves, seemed ready to swoon at his feet.

**Chapter 0032**

+25 BONUS

Finally, it was time for the dean to announce the winner of this year’s top student award, along with the scholarship.

“The winner of this year’s award goes to…” He said as he opened the envelope. A thoughtful smile crossed his face as he read the name and then turned to look at us. “Judy Montague!”

The audience erupted with cheers and applause as my heart raced with excitement.

My heart raced as I realized what was happening. I had won the scholarship! I could hardly believe it! This meant I wouldn’t have to stress about school or worry about making loan payments next year because I got the scholarship!

I looked over to Nan, who was bouncing with excitement.

I was jumping up and down, clapping as loud as I could. My smile was huge as I stood on my feet. Gavin was watching me with a confused look on his face, and I wished I knew what he was thinking.

Was he proud of me?

I wanted to know.

to laugh at that silly thought. Of course, he wasn’t proud of me. Why would he be? I meant nothing to him.

I shook off the thought and walked across the stage to the podium. I took a deep breath.

He shook the dean’s hand and took the envelope from him.

The dean began by telling everyone how much I deserved this reward. He explained that I was the top student and emphasized my family’s financial struggles. He talked about how this award could really help me.

I was relieved to finally have a scholarship. It was one less thing for me to worry about.

I should have been embarrassed when he announced it to the whole school, but I wasn’t. Everyone was already talking about it anyway.

“Congratulations, Judy! You deserve this. Would you like to make a speech?” he asked.

“Thank you,” I replied. “Yes, I would like that.”

I turned to the podium and smiled.

The cheering filled the air, but as it began to quiet down, I was ready to speak into the mic. Suddenly, a loud voice rang out from behind me.

“That’s enough! Judy Montague is a fake!!”

I quickly turned around to see Carol standing there.

Standing up from her seat, she stared at me. I was too shocked to say anything, but soon whispers filled the room.

“Miss Declaire, what is this about?” The Dean asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

She placed her hands on

Carol stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at me.

“Judy doesn’t deserve this award,” she said angrily. “She’s unworthy of this scholarship!”

Her words hung in the air, filled with bitterness and jealousy.