Chapter 50

Elysia, having remained detached from the situation, watched the drama unfold. She hadn't expected Elena to intervene on her behalf. This was the third time Elena had defended her, and Elysia still didn't understand why.

Mia, however, trembled at Elena's words. She planned to apologize, hoping to mitigate her humiliation and maintain some dignity without completely submitting to Elysia. But Elena saw through her, accusing the apology of insincerity. Mia was furious at Elena for siding with Elysia and further humiliating her.

She couldn't understand it. Coming from the prestigious Smith family, she was accustomed to being treated like a princess. Why was she suffering such indignity?

"No?" Elena's patience snapped. Her face darkened. "If you refuse to apologize, we'll handle this according to school rules. You know what that means."

Emma, growing increasingly anxious, nudged Mia. "Mia, just apologize! Don't make this worse!" Meanwhile, Natalie urged the same.

Finally, Mia turned to Elysia, tears in her eyes and lips clenched white. Through gritted teeth, she mumbled, "I'm sorry." Then, to Elena, she asked, "Is that enough?"

"Don't ask me," Elena replied calmly, glancing at Elysia. "You should be asking her."

Mia felt another sting of humiliation. The onlookers exchanged shocked glances. It seemed Elena was protecting Mia from trouble, but in reality, she was protecting Elysia. This was a new, stricter side of Elena, causing onlookers to question their previous impressions. Does Elena actually have a softer side? Or is that just an illusion? they wondered.

Left with no choice, Mia turned to Elysia and repeated, "Is this enough?"

Elysia rolled her eyes. It's not that difficult to apologize, is it? You've made it sound like you're sacrificing your life. Seriously, she thought.

"You need to learn how to apologize," Elysia continued. "Next time, don't drag it out. And when you apologize, there needs to be genuine contrition behind it, got it?"

Elysia waved dismissively. "Alright. Since this is your first time, I'll let it go. Just remember this lesson." A glint of amusement shone in her eyes.

Mia clenched her fists, seething with rage. She would make Elysia pay.

"This is over," Elena announced. "You're all free to go." The crowd quickly dispersed. Emma and Natalie helped a humiliated Mia. The small auditorium now symbolized their suffering; they wanted to leave immediately.

Soon, only Elysia, Ava, Elena, and a few student union members remained. Elysia then noticed the boy who had helped earlier—Ben. It seemed he had acted because of Elena.

Ben, noticing Elysia's gaze, offered a faint smile. He'd realized that when Elysia was involved, the usual rules didn't apply. He wondered about her influence over Elena.

"Thanks for your help," Elysia said to Elena.

Elena smiled. "This isn't your fault. If you insist on thanking me, do me a favor: Your birthday party is in two days, right? I want an invitation."

Elysia was surprised. Is that all? Just an invitation? she thought. She nodded. "No problem."

Ava, overhearing, chimed in, "What about me? I want an invitation!"

"Don't worry, you're on the list," Elena replied, smiling.

Although Elysia still didn't understand Elena's actions, it was clear there were no bad intentions.

Before afternoon class, Elysia stood at the podium with her study plan for Class 6. The classroom was noisy.

"Quiet!" Her commanding voice silenced the room instantly. "Starting today, I'll tutor you in math and physics during self-study, and chemistry and biology during lunch breaks. Ask me any questions anytime. All assignments must be completed on time and handed in to…" She looked at Eric. "Eric will be in charge."

Eric, engrossed in a comic book, froze. Wait, what?! Me? I need supervision, not the other way around! Is she sure? he thought.

He turned to Elysia, confused. "How about someone else? I'm not the right person."

Elysia smiled gently. "You're the most decisive. You should take on this role and lead Class 6."

Eric was skeptical. To everyone, he was just a troublemaker. No one saw him as capable.

Yet, someone trusted him. This felt surreal.

"I have faith in you," Elysia said firmly, her eyes conveying unwavering trust. This was the first time anyone had believed in him. He nodded. "Alright, I'll do it."

The class stared at him. The coming days would be tough.

"Alright, everyone, let's work hard," Elysia announced. There was more than half a month until the next exam.

Grace watched Elysia, feeling a pang of envy. Elysia had everything—good grades, family, and beauty. Everyone followed her lead. Elysia seemed born to shine, while Grace felt lost in darkness. Girls like Elysia must make everyone's heart race, she thought.

Ava grabbed Elysia's arm. "Elysia, you're getting even more beautiful!"

"Shut up," Elysia muttered, smiling.

Ava, sensing Elysia's displeasure, raised her fingers in a mock-solemn gesture. "I swear, it's true!"

Elysia quickly covered Ava's mouth. "Enough."

Ava grinned. "I know you're the best!"

"Can you two ever stop being so cheesy?" Eric, sitting beside them, shot them a disgusted look.

"Mind your business!" Ava stuck her tongue out. "Elysia's my best friend!"

"I'm closer to her than you are!" Eric retorted. "I personally welcomed Elysia on her first day in Class 6!"