Chapter 32

The moment the news broke, everyone's hearts pounded with excitement. This was fantastic news—Elysia was transferring from Class 1 to Class 6. They assumed the announcement over the loudspeaker, summoning her to the principal's office, had been about this.

Elysia noticed the barely concealed grins and excitement on their faces. She guessed they were speculating wildly.

She spoke calmly, "Cut the daydreaming. I'm transferring to Class 6 independently. It has nothing to do with anyone."

Then, lowering her voice to speak to Bianca, she said, "It's not you driving me away. I'm leaving on my own. So you still lost. And don't delude yourself about Class 1; I don't care about it!"

Bianca saw the mockery in Elysia's eyes and felt anger rising, but she held it back. Since Elysia was leaving anyway, winning or losing no longer mattered. Compared to that, her frog jumps were her biggest concern. Despite having the recording, she wanted to take a chance.

"Since you're leaving, the frog jumps" Bianca trailed off.

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "If you don't jump, you'll hear the recording on the school forum!"

Bianca bit her lip. Elysia continued, "Or, if you don't jump, I'll withdraw my request to Levi and stay in Class 1."

The classmates were shocked. They didn't know if Elysia was telling the truth, but they preferred to believe her. They'd worked so hard to get Elysia out of Class 1, and failure because of Bianca would be devastating.

"Bianca, just jump!" urged a classmate.

"Right, as class leader, think of everyone! If you jump, Elysia can leave. Besides, you proposed the agreement. You lost; keep your promise!" another classmate added.

Elysia thought, People are fickle. The second things go against them, they ditch each other. Remembering how they'd protected Bianca, she realized their "friendship" was purely self-serving; they'd only protected Bianca because she hadn't threatened their interests.

Elysia sighed, looked at Bianca, and said sympathetically, "You've heard the consensus. Jump! Don't waste my time."

Chapter 32 (Continued)

There was no turning back. Reluctantly, Bianca kept her promise. She went to the sports ground and began doing frog jumps.

"Remember to shout the phrase, or it doesn't count!" Elysia reminded her.

Bianca swallowed her humiliation and shouted, "I'm a good-for-nothing!" Her tone was angry.

Nearby students noticed the commotion and gathered, watching. "Whoa! Who's that?" one asked.

"You don't know her? That's Bianca, Class 1's leader. She's usually so arrogant! She looks down on those who aren't good at studying," a classmate replied.

"Wow! Look at her now! Working out?" another student sneered.

Mocking voices surrounded her. Bianca endured the humiliation, her hatred for Elysia growing. If not for Elysia, she wouldn't be ridiculed.

The afternoon sun was scorching. After a few jumps, Bianca was sweating profusely. More and more people gathered, mostly to watch the spectacle. Some bought drinks and watched from the shade, their expressions showing disdain. These were people who disliked Bianca but had never had the chance to express it.

After twenty rounds, Bianca was exhausted. Class 1 classmates helped her to the infirmary.

Chapter 32 (Continued)

Elysia was leaving the sports ground when a basketball zipped toward her.

"Watch out!" Enrique Kennedy yelled.

Elysia calmly caught the ball. Enrique approached apologetically. "Sorry, that's our ball."

Elysia chuckled. "You could use some tips. Let me show you." She tossed the ball, swishing it through the hoop. Some of the guys clapped.

"I didn't expect such a strong arm! And her aim is perfect!" Eric Morgan commented.

"Getting your nod is a big deal, Eric," Sterling Vaughn added with a grin.

Eric nudged Sterling playfully. "I didn't know that, did I? No need for the heads-up."

"Totally, Eric! You have a good eye!" Sterling replied sycophantically.

Enrique returned. He was tall and lanky, with a gentle yet detached vibe. Sterling tossed him the ball, and they resumed their game.

Chapter 32 (Continued)

Outside the court, a tall man in a baseball cap and mask, dressed in a stylish casual suit, watched Elysia. He thought, She looks just like her. No, not just like, half the same. Evelyn was only fifteen when she died. This girl has lost that childlike innocence. If Evelyn had lived to eighteen, she would have been just as stunning.

He almost thought Elysia was Evelyn, resurrected. But seeing her throw the basketball, he realized she couldn't be. Evelyn was frail and sickly; she couldn't do such intense exercise.

Seeing Elysia leave, he hurried to stop her. He was overwhelmed with emotion. Up close, he was again struck by her resemblance to Evelyn. He wanted to talk but couldn't find the words.

Elysia was puzzled by his sudden appearance. Before she could ask what he wanted, several girls approached, excitedly pointing at him. "You're Holden Evans, right?" they squealed.