Chapter 47

The crowd cheered again. Although they didn't fully understand Holden's last words, they sensed his romantic and gentle nature.

Ava, excited, grabbed Elysia's hand. "Don't you think my crush is handsome?"

Elysia, still in shock, thought, Did Holden really mean he'd see me again? Or am I being overly sensitive?

Holden had already left the stage, and the anniversary celebration continued. The crowd, buzzing with excitement, had witnessed a stunning celebrity performance.

The event lasted three more hours before ending, and the students departed orderly.

"Come on, Elysia, tell me the truth. Are you falling for Holden?" Ava joked, holding Elysia's arm.

"No," Elysia replied indifferently. While momentarily captivated by Holden's stage presence, it was recognition, not adoration.

"Look who it is! The ever-so-immoral Elysia, flirting with everyone!" someone shouted.

Ava's friendly expression darkened with anger. She turned, eyebrow raised, to see Mia from Class 2, accompanied by Natalie and Emma— notorious troublemakers. Elysia had already heard rumors about them before transferring to Class 6.

Ava thought, Their tricks might work on others, but not on me. Fine. Since they're here, I'll make them pay!

Stepping forward, Ava shielded Elysia. She sneered at Mia. "What a shame. You can't even speak properly."

"Who are you talking about?" Mia retorted.

"You! Are you mad? Fight me if you dare!" Ava challenged.

Elysia, touched by Ava's protection, appreciated her loyalty. However, she preferred handling the situation herself; these troublemakers needed a lesson.

Mia, stunned into silence, wasn't a fighter.

"What's wrong? Scared?" Ava pressed, eyes narrowed.

"I'm the daughter of the Smith family! I'm not some poor girl who solves problems with violence," Mia retorted.

Ava rolled up her sleeves. "Do you think you have the right to talk down to me?" Before she could act, Elysia gently pulled her back. "Stay back. I'll handle this."

Ava froze, impressed by Elysia's composure.

Elysia said, "Since you said all that, Mia, how can I not give you what you want? I'll show you how a 'poor girl' fights."

Mia recoiled, unnerved by Elysia's nonchalant yet mischievous expression. She feared Elysia's strength.

"You'll get in trouble!" Mia warned.

Elysia said, "I don't care. Bring your friends. You can make the first move."

Mia thought, Does she overestimate herself? Or does she not take us seriously? What an arrogant girl!

The commotion attracted students from the auditorium, eager onlookers gathering to witness the unfolding drama.

Natalie pulled Mia aside. "Don't fight her. We're no match for her."

Mia was incredulous. Natalie explained, "In Class 1, she slammed my hand in a doorframe. She's really strong."

Mia argued, "There are three of us."

Natalie touched her still-sensitive hand, her unease palpable.

Emma, initially hoping for a fight, reconsidered when Elysia offered a three-on-one. A fight would ruin her image. She'd also witnessed Elysia's strength firsthand. However, she couldn't refuse Mia, so she stepped back. "Natalie's right. Don't push it."

"Scared now?" Ava sneered.

Mia retorted defensively, but glancing at her hesitant friends, realized she was alone.

"Emma, Natalie…" she pleaded, but they remained silent.

"Oh, so you're not willing to help each other? Guess that's what 'fake besties' look like," Ava taunted.

Elysia, amused, watched. Mia's face flushed, tears welling as she looked at her seemingly unsupportive friends.

"We can't beat her," Natalie explained, patting Mia for comfort.

Emma added, "Elysia's my little sister. If I help you, I'll get scolded at home; if I help her, what about you?"

The onlookers noted Emma's kindness, contrasting it with Elysia's perceived bratty behavior. They sympathized with Emma's difficult home life.

Emma used this to portray herself as the gentle victim, aiming to damage Elysia's reputation. Elysia, however, remained unconcerned, believing only the weak feared gossip.