Chapter 11 A Slip "Wait a second; wasn't this speech the same one broadcast on the school radio yesterday?" "Yeah, I remember it, too. The article was so good that I stayed until the end before heading home. It was really inspiring." "Hold on, wasn't that piece submitted by Oriana Sterling from Seábar University? But the one onstage is Luna Sterling." "They're both from the Sterling family. Maybe Oriana is just her pen name?" "Could be, but why give the same speech twice?" The students' chatter quickly grew loud, and soon the teachers responsible for discipline moved in to quiet the commotion. Onstage, Bramwell and the other dignitaries assumed the stir had been caused by Luna's commanding presence and calm, measured delivery. Convinced her poise had left the students awestruck, they offered her even more praise. "And finally, may every one of you here stay driven and reach for the peak," Luna concluded. The crowd fell silent for a few beats before another wave of thunderous applause filled the field. Basking in the admiring gazes from all around, Luna smiled gracefully, then returned to her seat with composure. Next came the speeches from the school, the parent representatives, and the junior students preparing to enter their final year. An hour later, the rally wrapped up successfully. The school arranged for the VIPs to leave first. Backstage, Luna linked arms with Grant as Bramwell, Evelyn, and several entrepreneurs followed. Accompanied personally by the Deputy Director of the Department of Education, they approached the provincial leader. Extending her hand, Luna introduced herself with practiced charm. "Mr. Marsh, it's a pleasure to see you again. We met at the investment promotion fair." Silas Marsh returned the handshake with a faint smile, his words laced with meaning. "Luna, you don't remember? It wasn't just at the fair. Years ago, we also crossed paths at Mr. Stone's home." Gasps rippled through the group. Xander Stone was a decorated war hero and honorary general. Since his retirement, he had lived in seclusion-so much so that even Jindiwood's top figures struggled to secure a visit. Yet Luna, back when she was just a girl, had already set foot in his home and met him in person. 1/3 Even Grant and the others looked taken aback. Unable to hold her tongue, Evelyn asked, "Luna, you know Mr. Stone? How come we've never heard you mention it?" Luna's cheeks flushed faintly, as if embarrassed by the attention. "It happened by accident. I happened to meet him, and we exchanged greetings during the holidays. But it's been a long time since we last spoke." Her humility drew another wave of admiration. Anyone else would have flaunted such a connection endlessly, but not her. Grant glanced at the woman clinging so trustingly to him, his eyes filled with wonder. He finally understood why leaders always seemed to look at her with unusual respect-clearly, it was tied to her link with Xander. Just then, the student speaker stepped forward-Isolde Bright, top of the grade and already admitted to the Medical College of Jindiwood University. Saluting the officials, she shyly held out a pen and notebook toward Luna. "Luna, your speech was incredible. Could I have your autograph?" Luna smiled warmly, "Of course." She signed swiftly, her handwriting neat yet firm, revealing years of disciplined practice. Silas watched her calm, unassuming demeanor and nodded in approval. Isolde lit up, but as she glanced at the signature, she faltered. After a pause, she pushed the notebook forward again. 'Luna, could you sign with your pen name too? I've always loved your articles in the school paper. I really admire your writing," she said. 'Pen name?" Bramwell blinked. He chuckled proudly. "Luna, even your mother and I don't know about this. You've been keeping secrets from us, haven't you?" Evelyn covered her mouth with a laugh, her eyes brimming with affection. Luna looked puzzled-she had no idea she supposedly had a pen name. Isolde spoke without hesitation. "But everyone at Seabar School knows it. Your pen name is Oriana." The name dropped like a stone. Luna's face went pale at once. Bramwell and Evelyn froze, their expressions stiffening. Grant's gaze darkened instantly. One of the administrators who knew at least part of the truth, stepped in to smooth things over. "Isolde, you're mistaken. Oriana is another alumna, also admitted from Seabar School into Seabar University." 2/3 Of course, she had once been a Sterling daughter, too. But he dared not say more. Isolde frowned deeply, unwilling to let it go. "So they're not the same person? That can't be right. Luna's speech today was identical to Oriana's essay from the school broadcast. If they both come from Seabar, why wasn't Oriana the one delivering it herself?" Her words grew sharper as she recalled, "And if I'm not mistaken, before the speech started, the host even announced that Luna had written it personally, didn't he?" The moment those words left her lips, the room plunged into a heavy, deathly silence. 20 3/3