Chapter 523

The students' whispers were like needles that pierced Annabeth's eardrums. "Do you believe her?" one of the students asked their friend in a hushed tone. "It didn't look like she just accidentally dropped it," the friend answered, doubt evident in their eyes. Annabeth's admirers rushed forward and hastily tried to explain her actions. "Don't misunderstand, everyone. Annabeth didn't do it on purpose," one of the male students said in a loud and determined voice. He continued, "She always speaks so demurely. There's no way she's the type to throw trays to the ground. It must have slipped from her hands." "He's right. She's always been so careful and cautious. It must just be an accident this time," another admirer chimed in protectively. Urgency was written all over their faces, and their voices were colored with loyalty and support for Annabeth. The crowd of students finally dispersed after the admirers' continuous defense of Annabeth's "accident." Some of them glanced back as