Have you heard? Our Deputy Mayor, Daniel Brooks, has been dismissed and is under investigation for embezzlement and bribery. He allegedly embezzled two hundred million dollars related to a land deal in the southern district a few years ago. It's unbelievable!

"I saw it this morning, too," another chimed in. "No wonder Ethan hasn't been to class the last few days. He's probably too embarrassed."

"His dad might end up in prison for life," someone added.

"What are you talking about? How come I don't know anything?" a guy in a blue checkered shirt asked, scratching his head. He'd been so busy preparing for the school festival he'd been completely out of the loop.

Just as his friends were about to explain, Ethan, absent for days, approached them. He wore a suit, having tidied himself up that morning. He couldn't bear embarrassing himself in front of his classmates, though the summer heat made his attire seem even more ridiculous.

Ethan was there to withdraw from school. His grandfather had tried everything to save his father, but to no avail. Sending Ethan abroad, severing all ties, was the only way to protect him. Ethan was reluctant, but ultimately agreed; he would comply if even his grandfather gave up.

Ethan had been having a difficult time. Since Daniel's arrest, everyone in the upper echelons had distanced themselves. Those once close to him had vanished.

He was at his wit's end. In a single day, his father's associates were apprehended, including an uncle he'd recently spoken to. Yet, Ethan maintained a façade of arrogance, waiting for his former friends to greet him, even coughing pointedly to attract attention. They exchanged glances, however, and quickly avoided him.

Ethan's face fell; his anger peaked as he almost spun around to confront them. They had once idolized him, yet now ignored him completely. Even though my dad is gone, he thought, I can still build my own career from the ground up. I won't let those students look down on me! He stopped abruptly, staring ahead in disbelief.

Yvette strolled leisurely, hands in her pockets, chatting with John, who carried a stack of physics test papers. John did most of the talking, discussing the physics problems Tobias had assigned.

"I'm telling you, you only answered three out of thirty basic questions from last week! Mr. Sunderland is practically ambushing me in the hallways!" John exclaimed, looking at Yvette sadly.

"Why is that?" Yvette asked, confused.

John sighed. "Oh, my goddess! Isn't it obvious? It's because of you!"

Yvette, unwrapping a piece of candy, had rediscovered her love for richer foods since Jeremiah's arrival.

"Because of me?" she asked, puzzled.

John looked at her seriously. "Goddess, you haven't forgotten Mr. Sunderland told us to form a study group so I could help you with your homework, have you?"

Yvette had forgotten. She smiled apologetically. "Is it okay if I don't do them?"

John, momentarily dazed by her smile, fought to maintain composure. His face flushed. Yvette, mistaking his redness for sunburn, showed concern.

"No, goddess," John said firmly. "You have to do it. Mr. Sunderland said it's a waste not to use your photographic memory. Your basics are too weak. You chose 'C' on all three questions!" He continued to explain, causing Yvette a headache.

"Yvette, why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the police station?" Ethan asked, rushing toward her, his suit now wrinkled and stained.

John knew Ethan and Victor, the school's notorious bullies, who often partied and chased girls. Most upperclassmen knew them. That day, however, John had been preoccupied and unaware of events at Sky Nimbus, where Ryan had instructed those present to maintain secrecy.

Yvette's smile vanished. "You're still able to attend school? Looks like life in prison for Mr. Brooks isn't so bad after all!"

Ethan's fury erupted. He lunged toward Yvette, intending to attack her. John intervened, shielding her from Ethan’s likely blow. Ethan’s fist flew, but John braced himself—only to feel no pain. He opened his eyes to see Yvette holding Ethan’s wrist with two fingers, effortlessly stopping him.

Yvette's gaze was intensely fierce, her icy eyes cutting through Ethan. He felt a powerful, overwhelming presence, leaving him breathless and defeated. He cried and begged for mercy.

Yvette didn't release him. A "crack" sound followed, then silence, broken only by Ethan's anguished howl.