She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother

Chapter 470: Convocation Day(5)

Victoria Blackwood stood at the podium with natural authority and grace. The hall fell into a hushed, anticipatory silence as she elegantly untied the deep crimson ribbon on the first leather-bound degree folder. A subtle, knowing smile graced her lips as she opened it.

She let the moment stretch for just a heartbeat before her clear, resonant voice filled the Grand Convocation Hall.

"The student who has achieved the first rank... is Mr. Alexander Hale."

For a fraction of a second, the entire hall seemed to freeze.

Then came the storm.

A wave of stunned murmurs erupted across the graduate section and spread rapidly through the audience.

Students turned toward Alex with wide eyes, their expressions a turbulent mix of envy, jealousy, disbelief, and reluctant admiration.

"Alexander Hale...? First rank?"

"No way... I thought he’d get top ten, but first?"

"He’s that scholarship guy, right? How the hell...?"

Everyone had expected him to secure a strong rank — he had always performed exceptionally well. But claiming the absolute top spot? That was something no one had truly anticipated.

Marcus Steele’s face twisted in pure shock and disbelief. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. Tyler and Robert looked equally stunned, their earlier arrogance completely shattered. The rest of their group sat frozen, mouths slightly open.

On the contrary, Alex’s parents — David and Linda — simply smiled with quiet pride. There wasn’t even a hint of surprise on their faces. It was as if they had already known exactly who would stand at the top.

Meanwhile, the mothers of Robert and Tyler — elegant, mature women seated beside their husbands — had an entirely different reaction. Their eyes lit up with unmistakable hunger as they stared at Alex. A visible flush crept up their necks.

Both women subtly clenched their thighs together, feeling a sudden, heated sensation bloom between their legs as they watched the young man who had dominated their thoughts more than they cared to admit.

***

Alex could feel every single gaze in the Grand Convocation Hall locked onto him.

Some were filled with genuine happiness and excitement. Others carried heavy envy and jealousy. A few held pure disbelief, while many more burned with anger and resentment. The weight of hundreds of eyes pressed down on him like a tangible force, yet his expression remained perfectly calm and composed.

As he began to rise from his seat, Danny and Mike both reached out, patting his shoulders firmly with wide, proud grins.

"First rank, bro...! You actually did it!" Mike whispered excitedly.

"Go get what’s yours," Danny added with a grin.

Alex gave them a small nod, the corner of his mouth twitching upward slightly. He adjusted the rich black-and-gold academic gown draped over his shoulders. The luxurious fabric, embroidered with the Blackwood crest in shimmering gold thread, moved with him like a second skin... elegant, powerful, and fitting for the moment.

He walked toward the stage with measured, confident steps. His posture was straight, his movements unhurried and commanding.

There was no nervousness, no hesitation... only quiet dominance. The long gown flowed behind him with every step, the golden accents catching the light from the chandeliers, making him stand out even more among the sea of graduates.

The murmurs grew louder as he ascended the wide marble steps.

Victoria stood waiting at the podium, holding his degree folder with both hands. Her eyes met his directly, and for a brief, intimate moment, a deep, proud, and possessive warmth flashed in them... visible only to him.

As Alex finally reached the center of the stage, the entire hall seemed to hold its breath.

Victoria’s voice rang out clearly once more, softer yet filled with unmistakable pride as she looked at him.

"Congratulations, Mr. Alexander Hale."

She extended the leather-bound degree folder toward him. Her fingers brushed lightly against his in a deliberate, intimate touch that sent a subtle, electric spark through both of them.

For a brief second, her eyes conveyed far more than her words... pride, possession, and a silent promise of what was to come later.

Alex accepted the folder with calm respect and gave her a small, courteous bow of his head.

"Thank you, Ma’am," he replied smoothly, his voice steady and polite, though his eyes answered her with equal intensity.

President Miranda Whitman then stepped forward with a warm, professional smile. She shook Alex’s hand firmly, her grip strong and sincere.

"An outstanding achievement, Mr. Hale. Blackwood is proud of you," she said publicly, her voice carrying across the hall.

As Alex turned slightly, Catherine Blackwood rose gracefully from her seat and approached. She extended her hand with elegant poise, her sharp, knowing eyes locking onto his. The handshake was firm, but her thumb brushed subtly over the back of his hand in a hidden gesture of approval.

"Congratulations, Alexander," Catherine said, her voice low enough that only he and Victoria could clearly hear. "How do you like my arrangements?"

Her tone was calm and matter-of-fact, but her eyes told a completely different story... they were practically glowing, subtly seeking his praise and approval.

Alex shook her hand firmly, meeting her gaze with steady confidence.

"I’m really grateful for such a great opportunity, Ma’am. I’m looking forward to working with you and learning from the greats like you."

Catherine’s lips curved into a pleased, satisfied smile. The subtle spark of delight in her eyes was unmistakable.

"You’ve earned this..." she murmured softly, "and more."

The three powerful women surrounding him on stage created a striking image... the President, the Heir, and the CEO of Blackwood Industries all personally acknowledging the top graduate.

After the handshakes, President Miranda Whitman smiled warmly and gestured toward the microphone.

"Mr. Hale, as the first-rank graduate, would you like to say a few words to your fellow graduates?"

Alex gave a small, respectful nod. He stepped up to the podium, the microphone now in front of him. For a few seconds, he simply looked out over the massive hall — taking in every expression.

Envy. Shock. Admiration. Resentment. Pride. Hunger.

He saw it all.

Then, with calm confidence and a clear, steady voice that carried through the hall, he began:

"Thank you, President Whitman, Ms. Catherine Blackwood, and Mrs. Victoria Blackwood. I am truly honored to stand here today."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the crowd once more.

"First, I want to thank my parents, for their endless love and support. None of this would have been possible without them. I also want to thank my friends — Danny, Mike, and everyone who stood by me through the difficult times. Your belief in me meant more than you know."

Alex’s voice grew firmer, carrying quiet strength.

"To my fellow graduates... there will be moments when failure tries to break you. When the world tells you that you are not enough. Do not let it define you. Believe in yourself. Keep moving forward. Keep adapting. The path to true strength is never easy — but it is always worth it. Excellence is not given. It is claimed."

A powerful silence followed his words before thunderous applause erupted across the hall.

Alex stood tall in the center of it all, the golden embroidery on his black academic gown catching the light as he held his degree. He offered a composed bow of respect to the three women and the audience before turning to descend the steps.

Every eye in the hall followed him.

The moment he reached his row and sat down, Danny, Mike, and a few others gave him congratulatory pats on the back and quiet cheers.

Before the excitement could fully settle, Victoria’s clear voice rang out again from the podium.

"Second Rank... Daniel Morrison."

The hall erupted into another wave of stunned murmurs... even louder than before.

"Daniel Morrison...? Second rank?"

"No way... Danny?"

People turned their heads toward Danny in complete awe and disbelief.

Getting Alexander Hale in first place was already shocking enough for most. But Daniel Morrison taking second? That felt like a miracle. He had always been solid — respectable, but never a consistent top 10 contender in previous years. Now here he was, standing right behind Alex.

Whispers spread like wildfire.

Yet Danny didn’t care about the doubters at all.

A wide, proud smile broke across his face as he stood up and adjusted his gown. He walked toward the stage with confident, energetic steps, chest puffed out and head held high. The pride radiating from him was impossible to miss.

In the family balcony, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were beaming with overwhelming joy. Their eyes glistened as they watched their son ascend the stage. First and second place... both taken by boys who had once been looked down upon. It was a dream come true.

As Alex watched Danny proudly receiving his degree on stage, a soft presence suddenly appeared beside him.

The seat Danny had vacated was now occupied by Sophia Blackwood.

She moved with graceful silence, her elegant dress brushing lightly against him as she leaned close. Her familiar, intoxicating scent filled his senses.

"Congratulations..." she whispered softly, her voice warm and intimate.

Alex turned his head slightly. Their eyes met.

Sophia’s gaze burned with a mixture of nervousness, excitement, and barely concealed desire. She leaned in even closer, her lips almost brushing his ear as she delivered the real message.

"Everything is prepared," she whispered, her breath hot against his skin. "Come to the ballroom at our designated time."

She lingered for a heartbeat longer than necessary, her eyes locking with his in a silent, charged promise.

Then, just as quickly as she had appeared, Sophia pulled back. She gave him one final meaningful look before slipping away into the crowd of graduates, leaving Alex sitting there with his heart beating faster and his mind already racing toward what awaited him.

The ceremony continued around him, but his thoughts were no longer on the stage.