Chapter 51

Ava, brimming with pride, announced, "I actually have an invitation to Elysia's birthday party. What about you?"

Eric replied, "What birthday party? What are you talking about? I didn't know anything about it."

"See? Do you still think you're closer to Elysia than me? That's hilarious," Ava retorted.

Elysia watched their squabbling, chuckling at their childish behavior.

Eric, annoyed, said, "Well, if you hadn't always kept Elysia by your side, I would have known about it earlier." Turning to Elysia, he added, "When's your birthday? Send me an invitation."

"Just leave us alone. You won't get one," Ava snapped.

"I'm not talking to you, Ava," Eric said.

"It seems you need a good lesson," Ava said, rolling up her sleeves.

Seeing the rising tension, Elysia quickly intervened, grabbing Ava's arm. "I'll bring the invitations tomorrow, alright?"

"Did you hear that? Elysia is way kinder than you," Eric nudged Ava. "I suddenly feel like you need a nickname."

Ava's face was stern, anger flashing in her eyes. He better watch his mouth, or I'll hit him, she thought.

Eric, oblivious, mused, "With your temper, you should be called the Beast. No, Demon would probably fit you better." He nodded, pleased with himself. "What do you think of that name, Elysia?"

Elysia's smile vanished. "I think… you might pay a price for your sharp tongue." Ava immediately punched Eric.

"Are you serious?" Eric rubbed his back. Come on, she really did hit hard, just like a demon, he thought.

"What do you expect?" Ava said.

Eric raised a hand as if to retaliate, then lowered it. "Never mind. A wise man doesn't fight with a girl."

"It's a wise girl who kindly let you go!" Ava retorted.

When Robert heard that the auditorium incident involved Emma, he rushed to Class 2, panicked. He saw her red, tear-stained eyes.

Seeing Robert, Emma wept again.

Robert's heart ached. "It's okay," he said softly.

Emma cried harder. "Robert, do you think everyone is going to hate me?"

"Of course not. You've always been so understanding. No one could ever dislike you," Robert reassured her.

"Really?" Emma asked.

"Of course. Have I ever lied to you?" Robert gently stroked her hair. "What happened?"

Hope flickered in Emma's eyes. She wiped her tears. "It was Elysia."

Robert raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, last night, I saw Elysia get out of a fancy car. I couldn't see the driver clearly, but I knew he wasn't a good person. I was upset and worried about Elysia, so I told Mia and the others. They wanted to help, but Elysia didn't appreciate it and even kicked Mia."

Robert frowned. He'd heard fragments of the story, but not the full account. His concern for Emma had made him rush over without hearing everything. He just needed to ensure she was okay. Emma is always so kind and gentle. How upset must she be? he thought.

Hearing Emma's side of the story, his expression darkened. Did Elysia get out of a fancy car? Was this why she rejected the engagement? She always appears so pure, but it turns out she's a gold digger, he thought.

Emma knew Robert well. Even without the full story, he'd figure it out. "How could Elysia do that, Robert! Mia was just trying to help, and she actually hit her! She's not in the countryside anymore; she can't just act however she wants," Emma exclaimed.

Robert's frown deepened. Of course, someone who has lived in the countryside for eighteen years would behave like this. It's clear she doesn't have the poise expected of someone from a prestigious family, he thought.

He felt relieved his engagement with Elysia was over. "Not everyone in this world is as kind as you, Emma. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, no one will bully you," he said softly.

"Thank you, Robert," Emma replied.

Robert gently stroked her head. "Be a good girl and head back to class, alright?"

Emma nodded and returned to the classroom.

Robert visited Class 6 during the second break. The usually chaotic classroom was eerily quiet. Did I walk into the wrong classroom? He checked the sign: Class 6. Are they still the same people? Unbelievable! Class 6 has a notorious reputation for being lazy, but now…

His purpose was clear: to teach Elysia some manners.

He knocked on the first desk. "I'm looking for Elysia."

The girl looked up, thrilled. Robert, the top student and school heartthrob, had spoken to her!

Robert, slightly speechless, said, "Could you please get Elysia for me? Thanks."

The girl, snapping out of her daze, nodded and fetched Elysia.

Robert waited by the railing.

Elysia was explaining something when the girl approached. Thinking it was a question, she was about to tell her to wait when the girl blurted, "Elysia, someone is looking for you." The girl left.

Elysia frowned, confused. She went to the door and saw Robert. What could Robert want? Is he upset about the broken engagement and looking for trouble? Or… is he here to defend Emma? she wondered.