Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1277

After a brief silence, Tristan seemed to sense Helen's unease. He took the initiative to clarify, "Don't worry, Helen. I have no other intentions. I simply admire talent. I always knew you were the only one in this class who could surpass me, and you've certainly proven that."

Helen's tension immediately lifted, and a relieved smile spread across her face. "Thank you."

It was evident that Tristan placed principles above personal connections; his noble character earned him respect from everyone around him.

"If you truly want to show your appreciation," he added, "bring me more challenging problems to discuss in the future."

With a nod to Helen and Madelyn, he turned and walked away.

…

Outside the Advanced Studies Building, Bentley sat on a marble slab, chewing gum absentmindedly. With his bag slung over his shoulder, he waited impatiently for Tommy to show up.

As students from the specialized preparatory program walked by, they couldn't resist teasing him.

"Why are you still here, Mrs. Xander?"

"Bentley, don't get stuck like a statue waiting for your sweetheart, haha!"

"Damn it!" Bentley shouted as he jumped off the slab. "Keep running your mouths, and I'll tear them right off!"

"Oh wow, Mrs. Xander!" one of the guys teased, pausing to taunt him. "I didn't realize you were so fierce! Can't take a joke, huh?"

"Jorge Valdez! I swear I'm going to kill you! Don't you dare move!" Bentley yelled as he sprinted after him.

Just as Bentley rounded a corner, Jorge suddenly veered in another direction.

Unable to change course in time, Bentley crashed into Chandler, who was approaching from the opposite direction. The collision knocked Bentley to the ground, leaving him sprawled on his rear end.

"It's all your fault," Bentley said, indignation written across his face. "Now everyone thinks I'm, you know, into Tommy…"

"But aren't you?" Madelyn teased, a laugh slipping out as she spoke.

"Absolutely not!" Bentley retorted. "Even if every woman on the planet vanished, I still wouldn't be interested, okay?"

"Hey!" Tommy cut in, his competitive edge showing. "Is it really so embarrassing to like me? I haven't even settled things with you yet! Why didn't you just admit you were jealous of Helen? Why drag me into this whole mess? How am I supposed to find a girlfriend now?"

"You think I didn't want to?" Bentley retorted in frustration. "If I had—"

If he had admitted his feelings for Helen, Chandler would definitely have made him regret it.

"Forget it," Bentley said, on the brink of tears. He tried to reassure himself, recalling that heroes often had to endure more than their fair share of hardships.