Memories of that night replayed in Shirley's mind, causing her face to pale. She inhaled deeply, instinctively stepping back from Sergio.

Looking up at him, she said, "Sir, I apologize. I spoke untruths without understanding the full story. I'm sorry. Please, let's not bring this up again."

Sergio smiled. "You approached me first, but now you're asking me to remain silent about it?"

"I apologize for any inconvenience I've caused you."

Sergio pressed his lips together and was silent for a considerable time.

Shirley glanced at him and then looked away. “If there's nothing more, I should go."

“Wadt!"

Shirley halted and turned to him, puzzled.

Sergio gently patted her shoulder and said, “In that case, I won't hold you back. Just concentrate on your studies."

Sergio then walked by Shirley and exited the library.

Shirley averted her gaze and hurried to the cafeteria.

Shirley's two classmates had secured a spot for her and purchased her meal.

As soon as Shirley sat down, the classmate to her left inquired, "Shirley, be honest. What's going on between you and Sergio?"

This classmate recognized Sergio as the main interviewer when she accompanied Shirley to an interview at the Blakely Group. She had been curious ever since Sergio's car nearly bumped into Shirley on the street. After Shirley joined the company following the interview, the classmate eagerly awaited any encounters between Shirley and Sergio.

But by the end of Shirley's internship, there had been no developments, and the classmate had since forgotten about it.

Today, when Sergio visited the college to meet Shirley, the classmate was eager to delve into the gossip once more.

The one sitting on Shirley's right had heard about the supposed connection between Shirley and Sergio. She eyed Shirley with curiosity.

Seeing their expressions, Shirley explained with a hint of resignation, "You've got it all wrong. Mr. Blakely's wife is my cousin. He came to talk about something completely different, not what you're imagining."

"What?" the classmate on Shirley's left exclaimed, clearly taken aback. "He's your cousin's husband? I see."

The two classmates then shifted their attention away from the gossip to discuss the competition.